GLIMEPIRIDE - ORAL (Amaryl) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

GLIMEPIRIDE-ORAL Index

glimepiride - oral, Amaryl (cont.)

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking glimepiride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, certain hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, SIADH-syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone), mineral imbalance (hyponatremia).You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia.During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medication may be required.This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially hypoglycemia.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully.Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (e.g., salicylates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, phenylbutazone), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole), birth control pills, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem), chloramphenicol, cimetidine, clofibrate, decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), diazoxide, diet pills, epinephrine, estrogens, fenugreek, ginseng, gymnema, isoniazid, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), niacin, phenytoin, probenecid, rifampin, sulfonamides (e.g., sulfa antibiotics), thyroid drugs, warfarin, "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide).Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Examples include corticosteroids (such as prednisone), psychiatric medicines (such as olanzapine), fluoroquinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin), among others. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how often to check your blood sugar. Tell your doctor about the results and of any symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.Beta-blocker medications (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.