Not medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Glimepiride requires a valid prescription.
Glimepiride
Generic Name: GLIMEPIRIDE
Glimepiride tablets USP, are an oral sulfonylurea that contains the active ingredient glimepiride USP.
Data last updated: 30 March 2026 · Source: openFDA.gov, DailyMed (NLM/NIH)
Common Brand Names in India:
What is Glimepiride Used For?
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis
- These settings
How Does It Work?
Sulfonylureas bind to the sulfonylurea receptor in the pancreatic beta-cell plasma membrane, leading to closure of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel, thereby stimulating the release of insulin. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics In healthy subjects, the time to reach maximal effect (minimum blood glucose concentrations) was approximately 2 to 3 hours after single oral doses of glimepiride tablets.
Dosage & Administration
- Recommended starting dose is 1 or 2 mg once daily.
- Increase in 1 or 2 mg increments no more frequently than every 1 to 2 weeks based on glycemic response.
- Maximum recommended dose is 8 mg once daily .
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention)
Warnings & Precautions
- Hypoglycemia: May be severe.
- Ensure proper patient selection, dosing, and instructions, particularly in at-risk populations (e.g., elderly, renally impaired) and when used with other anti-diabetic medications .
- Potential Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality with Sulfonylureas: Inform patient of risks, benefits and treatment alternatives .
- Macrovascular Outcomes: No clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with glimepiride or any other anti-diabetic drug . 5.1 Hypoglycemia All sulfonylureas, including glimepiride, can cause severe hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ].
- These impairments may present a risk in situations where these abilities are especially important, such as driving or operating other machinery.
Who Should NOT Take This?
- Sulfonamide derivatives: Patients who have developed an allergic reaction to sulfonamide derivatives may develop an allergic reaction to glimepiride.
- Do not use glimepiride in patients who have a history of an allergic reaction to sulfonamide derivatives.
- Hypersensitivity to glimepiride or any of the product’s ingredients ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to sulfonamide derivatives ( 4 )
Drug Interactions
Glimepiride may interact with the following medicines. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Speak to a diabetologist on Zospital
Consult a diabetologist on Zospital before starting Glimepiride. Verified Indian specialists available for in-clinic and online consultations.
Other Diabetes Medicines
Sources: openFDA.gov · dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · nlm.nih.gov (RxNorm). Information is for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before use.
FAQS
Glimepiride – Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Glimepiride, its uses, dosage and safety.
Glimepiride is commonly prescribed in India for: Type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis, These settings. Always confirm the indication with a registered medical practitioner before starting any course.
Glimepiride is sold in India under brand names such as Amaryl, Glimpid, Glimisave, Glimy, Duetact, Glimepiride. You can also find it on online pharmacies like 1mg, Pharmeasy and Apollo Pharmacy.
Glimepiride is a prescription-only (Schedule H) medicine in India. You will need a valid prescription from a registered MBBS / MD doctor to purchase it from a licensed pharmacy.
Common side effects of Glimepiride can include: Nausea, Headache, Dizziness, Weight gain. Less common but serious side effects can include: Severe, Serious, Anaphylaxis, Agranulocytosis, Aplastic. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if any of these appear.
Sulfonylureas bind to the sulfonylurea receptor in the pancreatic beta-cell plasma membrane, leading to closure of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel, thereby stimulating the release of insulin. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics In healthy subjects, the time to reach maximal effect (minimum blood glucose concentrations) was approximately 2 to 3 hours after single oral doses of glimepiride tablets.
Glimepiride can interact with: Certain, Colesevelam, Coadministration, Glimepiride, Rifampin, Administration. Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take — including ayurvedic and homeopathy preparations — before starting Glimepiride.
Indian guidelines often recommend lower starting doses of Glimepiride for patients above 60-65, since kidney and liver function decline with age. A doctor should review the dose, especially if the patient already takes BP, sugar or heart medicines.
Pregnancy safety of Glimepiride depends on the trimester and individual case. Indian gynaecologists usually avoid Category C/D drugs unless benefit clearly outweighs risk. Speak to your obstetrician before taking Glimepiride during pregnancy or while planning conception.
Prices in India typically range from ₹30 – ₹250 per strip of 10 tablets depending on brand. Generic versions tend to cost 30-60% less than branded ones, and Jan Aushadhi outlets often stock the lowest-priced equivalents. Check 1mg or Pharmeasy for live MRP.
If you remember within a few hours of the missed dose, take it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one — never double up. Frequent missed doses reduce Glimepiride's effectiveness, so consider setting a reminder or speaking to your doctor about a simpler schedule.
You can book an in-person or online consultation with a verified Indian specialist on Zospital — visit the doctor directory at https://zospital.com/doctor to find one near you.
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.