How to use
Amaryl (Glimepiride) should be taken orally, once a day, with your first main meal of the day (usually breakfast). Your recommended dosage depends on your condition and how you respond to treatment.

Take this medication regularly and at approximately the same time each day to enjoy its maximum benefits. Regularly check your blood sugar levels and share the results with your doctor.

Overdose
Potential symptoms of a Amaryl (Glimepiride) overdose include:

• Shakiness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Unexplained sweating
• Loss of consciousness
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

If you suspect you have taken too much of this medication, contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately. If you only experience mild symptoms, try and rise your blood sugar yourself by eating or drinking something with a high sugar content.

Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Amaryl (Glimepiride), take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one. Then resume your regular schedule. Do not double up on this medication to make up for a missed dose. 

Notes
Do not take Amaryl (Glimepiride) if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (absence of insulin in the body). If this occurs, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible or call the emergency medical services.

If you are diabetic, you should take regular exercise and maintain a healthy diet. Talk to a healthcare professional about information on how to manage diabetes. You should also attend regular laboratory and medical tests to check for side effects and chart your response to treatment. Do not miss these appointments.

Do not share this medication with others as they may have a condition that is not adequately treated with Amaryl (Glimepiride).

Storage
Store Amaryl (Glimepiride) at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

* Illustrations are for graphic purposes only and the ordered medication may differ in appearance.

Precautions
Before taking Amaryl (Glimepiride), you should inform your doctor of you medical history, including:

• Any allergies
• Metabolic conditions (e.g. diabetic ketoacidosis)
• Liver or kidney diseases
• Thyroid diseases
• Certain hormonal conditions (adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, SIADH-syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone)
• A mineral imbalance (hyponatremia)

If you suffer or ever have suffered from any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take Amaryl (Glimepiride) or you may need a dosage adjustment.

If your blood sugar levels are extremely high or extremely low, you may experience blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you are sure you can perform these activities safely.

Amaryl (Glimepiride) may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths and sunlamps. If you do have to go outside in the sun, you should wear an effective sunscreen or protective clothing.

Caution is advised when Amaryl (Glimepiride) is used by elderly people. People in this age group may be more sensitive to some of its side effects, such as hypoglycemia.

Amaryl (Glimepiride) is classed as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA, which means it could potentially harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication while pregnant. Discuss your options with your doctor if you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment.

Amaryl (Glimepiride) passes into breast milk and may cause a drop in the blood sugar levels of a nursing infant. You should not take this medication if you are currently breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Before taking Amaryl (Glimepiride), you should inform your doctor of all other medication you are currently using, especially of:

• Aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (e.g. salicylates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or 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
• Diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide or Furosemide
• Corticosteroids (such as Prednisone)
• Psychiatric medicines (such as Olanzapine)
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (such as Ciprofloxacin)

If you are also using beta-blocker medications (e.g. Metoprolol, Propranolol or glaucoma eye drops such as Timolol), they may prevent you from feeling the fast, pounding heartbeat that is usually associated with hypoglycemia. Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger or sweating are unaffected by this type of medication.

This is only a partial list and there may be other medications that interact negatively with Amaryl (Glimepiride). Notify your doctor of all other prescription and non-prescription medication you use, including vitamins, minerals, herbal pills, dietary supplements and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop taking any medication without your doctor's approval.

The following common side effects of Amaryl (Glimepiride) may occur:

• Nausea
• Upset stomach

These side effects should go away over time, but contact your doctor as soon as possible if they persist or worsen.

Inform your doctor straightaway if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

• Yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Signs of infection (e.g. fever, persistent sore throat)
• Mental or mood changes
• Unusual or sudden weight gain
• Seizures

Amaryl (Glimepiride) may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if you do not consume enough calories. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Chills
• Cold sweats
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Shaking
• Rapid heart rate
• Weakness
• Headache
• Fainting
• Tingling of the hands or feet
• Hunger

In case this happens, it is recommended you carry glucose tablets with you at all times or have access to a quick source of sugar if you experience any of these symptoms. To prevent hypoglycemia, you should eat regularly and avoid skipping meals

Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:

• Thirst
• Increased urination
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Rapid breathing
• Fruity breath odor

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. You may need to increase your dosage of Amaryl (Glimepiride).

In rare cases, you may experience a severe allergic reaction to Amaryl (Glimepiride). Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing

This is only a partial list and other side effects may occur. Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any other side effects than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.