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Overview: Glimepiride is a medicine used to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by helping your pancreas release more insulin, which lowers the amount of sugar in your blood. Common side effects include low blood sugar, headache, nausea, dizziness, and weight gain. Glimepiride is usually taken with your first main meal of the day. Tell your health care provider if you have frequent episodes of low blood sugar while taking glimepiride.

Uses

What is glimepiride used for?

Glimepiride is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Glimepiride may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does glimepiride work (mechanism of action)?

Glimepiride helps to increase your body’s insulin levels. Insulin is released from your pancreas. It is a hormone that helps your body use blood sugar (glucose) as a source of energy.

How is glimepiride supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Amaryl

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg oral tablets

How should I store glimepiride?

Glimepiride should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of glimepiride?

The most common side effects of glimepiride are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of glimepiride that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of glimepiride?

While less common, the most serious side effects of glimepiride are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Glimepiride may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking glimepiride and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Glimepiride can cause low blood sugar, which can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Do not take glimepiride and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.

  • Headache
  • Crankiness or anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Blurry vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Feeling jittery or shakiness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use glimepiride?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use glimepiride.

  • Glimepiride
  • Amaryl
  • Any other medicine containing glimepiride
  • Any other medicine known as a sulfonamide 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific glimepiride products they stock.

Type 1 Diabetes. Glimepiride is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Glimepiride is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

What should I know about glimepiride before using it?

Do not take glimepiride unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share glimepiride with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep glimepiride out of the reach of children.

Certain conditions that cause increased stress on your body, like fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery can change the amount of diabetes medicines you need to take to control your diabetes. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of these conditions to decide if your medicine needs to be changed.

Talk to your health care provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems.     

People who are 65 years or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from glimepiride. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Glimepiride can affect your alertness or coordination, especially if your blood sugar drops too low. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how glimepiride affects you.

Take glimepiride tablets with breakfast (or your first meal of the day). 

Glimepiride can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

What should I tell my health care provider before using glimepiride?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if glimepiride is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Glimepiride may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking glimepiride, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how glimepiride could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take glimepiride while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if glimepiride passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take glimepiride while breastfeeding. 

Interactions

Does glimepiride interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between glimepiride and foods However, your risk of low blood sugar may be increased if you take glimepiride without eating.

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking glimepiride. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of side effects, including low blood sugar.

Does glimepiride interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking glimepiride.

  • Some medicines used for fungal infections, such as fluconazole (Diflucan) and miconazole (Oravig)
  • Colesevelam (Welchol), a medicine used for high cholesterol
  • A GLP-1 medicine, such as liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) or semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), which is a medicine used for diabetes or weight loss
  • Insulin or another medicine for diabetes

Many other medicines can increase your blood sugar and can interfere with the effect of glimepiride. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider before starting or stopping other medicines while taking glimepiride. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely during these times.

Some medicines can decrease your blood sugar and add to the effect of glimepiride. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider before starting or stopping other medicines while taking glimepiride. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely or lower your dose of glimepiride during these times.

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of glimepiride. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

Some medicines may make it hard to notice signs of low blood sugar. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely if you take any of these medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with glimepiride. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much glimepiride?

If you or someone else has used too much glimepiride, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of glimepiride?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with food). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Glimepiride needs to be taken with food to reduce your risk of low blood sugar.