Medicine Information

Sulforid

Name: Sulforid
Brand: Sulforid

Tablet1 mgAntidiabeticATC: A10BB12

Generic Name

Glimepiride

Manufacturer

Reputable Pharma Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
sulforid 1 mg tablet	৳ 5.50	৳ 55.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Glimepiride is an oral blood-glucose-lowering drug of the sulfonylurea class, used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells.

Uses & Indications

Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

Used alone or in combination with metformin or insulin.

Dosage

Adults

Initially 1-2 mg once daily, administered with breakfast or the first main meal. Max 8 mg/day.

Elderly

Initiate with 1 mg once daily and titrate carefully.

Renal_impairment

Initial dose of 1 mg once daily, and dosage should be titrated cautiously. Avoid use in severe impairment.

How to Take

Administer orally, once daily with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Do not skip meals after taking the dose.

Mechanism of Action

Glimepiride primarily acts by stimulating insulin release from functioning pancreatic beta cells. It binds to the sulfonylurea receptor on the pancreatic beta-cell membrane, leading to closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, membrane depolarization, and opening of voltage-dependent calcium channels. This influx of calcium triggers insulin secretion.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within 2-3 hours.

Excretion

Approximately 60% renally excreted and 40% fecally excreted, primarily as metabolites.

Half life

Approximately 5-9 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly and completely absorbed from the GI tract. Peak plasma levels are reached in 2-3 hours. Bioavailability is 100%.

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) to two main metabolites (hydroxy and carboxy derivatives).

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Diabetic ketoacidosis.
Severe hepatic or renal impairment.

Drug Interactions

NSAIDs, salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, probenecid, coumarins, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, beta-blockers

May potentiate the hypoglycemic effect.

Thiazides, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blockers, isoniazid

May reduce the hypoglycemic effect.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms include severe hypoglycemia, nausea, vomiting, epigastric fullness. Management involves glucose administration (oral or IV), close monitoring of blood glucose for 24-48 hours.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Not recommended during pregnancy; insulin is generally preferred. Avoid use during lactation due to potential for hypoglycemia in the infant.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to glimepiride or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Diabetic ketoacidosis.
Severe hepatic or renal impairment.

Drug Interactions

NSAIDs, salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, probenecid, coumarins, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, beta-blockers

May potentiate the hypoglycemic effect.

Thiazides, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blockers, isoniazid

May reduce the hypoglycemic effect.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms include severe hypoglycemia, nausea, vomiting, epigastric fullness. Management involves glucose administration (oral or IV), close monitoring of blood glucose for 24-48 hours.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Not recommended during pregnancy; insulin is generally preferred. Avoid use during lactation due to potential for hypoglycemia in the infant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 mg x 30 tablets1 mg x 50 tablets

Shelf Life

36 months from manufacturing date

Availability

Pharmacies nationwide

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA/FDA

Patent Status

Generic available

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated Glimepiride's efficacy in reducing HbA1c and improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. Studies also assess its cardiovascular safety profile.

Lab Monitoring

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG)
HbA1c levels
Renal function tests (e.g., serum creatinine)
Liver function tests (e.g., ALT, AST)

Doctor Notes

Educate patients thoroughly on hypoglycemia recognition and management.
Advise patients on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) as integral to diabetes management.
Monitor renal and hepatic function, especially in elderly patients.

Patient Guidelines

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Maintain a regular diet and exercise program.
Be aware of symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to treat it (e.g., carry glucose tablets).
Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

May cause hypoglycemia, which can impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should be aware of hypoglycemic symptoms and take precautions.