From the Guidelines
Amaryl is the brand name for glimepiride, a sulfonylurea used to treat type 2 diabetes. Glimepiride works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin and helping the body use insulin more effectively 1. This medication is typically taken once daily with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Dosages generally range from 1 to 8 mg daily, with treatment usually starting at a lower dose and potentially increasing based on blood glucose monitoring results.
- Key considerations for glimepiride use include:
- Hypoglycemia risk, particularly when skipping meals or during increased physical activity
- Weight gain, skin reactions, and gastrointestinal disturbances as potential side effects
- Importance of regular monitoring of blood sugar levels as directed by a healthcare provider
- Initiation of glimepiride should be conservative to avoid hypoglycemia, especially in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) 1. According to the most recent evidence, glimepiride is a commonly used medication for type 2 diabetes, but metformin is generally the first-line treatment due to its efficacy, safety, and beneficial effects on cardiovascular mortality 1. However, glimepiride can be considered as part of a combination therapy or for individuals who cannot tolerate metformin. It is essential to weigh the benefits and risks of glimepiride and monitor patients closely for potential side effects, particularly hypoglycemia.
From the FDA Drug Label
Glimepiride tablets USP is an oral sulfonylurea that contains the active ingredient glimepiride. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Brand Name for Glimepiride
- The brand name for glimepiride is Amaryl, as mentioned in several studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Glimepiride is a third-generation sulfonylurea used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- It is known for its efficacy in lowering blood glucose levels, with a lower risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain compared to other sulfonylureas 3, 5.
Key Characteristics of Glimepiride
- Glimepiride has a strong blood-glucose lowering effect, but only induces mild insulin secretion 3.
- It has a weaker affinity for the sulfonylurea receptor compared to glibenclamide, and its association and dissociation with the receptor are faster 3.
- Glimepiride improves insulin sensitivity, which contributes to its blood-glucose lowering effect 3.
Clinical Studies and Efficacy
- Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of glimepiride in reducing fasting and postprandial glucose levels, as well as glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations 2, 5.
- Glimepiride has been shown to be as effective as other sulfonylureas, such as glyburide and glipizide, but with a lower risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain 5.