Amaryl is an anti-diabetic medication used to enhance the positive effects of a diet and exercise with respect to blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). The medicine is indicated for maintaining a proper level of blood sugar in adults over 18 years of age.
Other names for this medication:
Similar Products:
Actos, Glynase XL, Diabinese, Farxiga, Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucotrol, Glynase, Invokana, Janumet, Januvia, Jardiance, Micronase, Saxenda, Tradjenta, Victoza
Active Ingredient:
Description
Amaryl is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes) to improve the level of blood sugar when a suitable control cannot be reached with a diet and exercise alone. The active ingredient present in the formulation is Glimepiride, an insulin secretagogue and the representative of a sulfonylurea drug class. The medicine helps lower the level of sugar in the blood by increasing the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas and stimulating a better response of peripheral tissues to insulin.
Amaryl also has an extrapancreatic effect on glucose metabolism that exerts in improved peripheral glucose uptake and a decreased endogenous glucose production. To optimize glycemic control, the drug can be administered in a combination with insulin or other oral diabetes medicines containing Metformin. Amaryl may also be used in an off-label way to treat pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Indications
Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult patients where blood sugar levels cannot be properly sustained along with a diet, physical exercise, and weight reduction alone.
The medication is also used off-label in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus in women, who do not have a satisfactory glycemic control despite following a proper diet and physical activities.
MOA (mechanism of action)
Glimepiride is a medium-to-long-acting, ‘second-generation’ sulfonylurea agent with a hypoglycemic effect. Its mode of action in lowering blood sugar is performed by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta cells, and increasing sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin. Glimepiride binds to ATP-sensitive potassium channel receptors, located on the pancreatic cell surface, which leads to a closure of the channels. This depolarizes the membrane and triggers calcium ion influx through voltage-sensitive calcium channels which results in an increased intracellular calcium ion concentration followed by an exocytotic release of insulin. Glimepiride also exerts extrapancreatic activity with its ability to decrease hepatic glucose secretion and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in the bloodstream.
Dosage
The course of treatment with Amaryl should be initiated for each patient individually according to the results of blood and urine sugar tests. The medication is to be taken before breakfast, or if none is taken, the first main meal of the day. The tablets must be swallowed, without chewing, with a glass of water.
Maximum dose must not exceed 6 mg a day.
The medication should be used following a proper diet and exercise regimen without skipping meals. Diabetic patients’ condition should be monitored by a healthcare specialist and their blood and urine glucose levels must be checked regularly to maintain the optimal dosage of the medicine. The drug is meant for a long-term administration and should not be discontinued without a doctor’s recommendation so to avoid a rapid increase in blood sugar.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs and you are feeling unwell, you should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, you should raise your blood sugar right away by consuming oral glucose (e.g., a small bar of sugar cubes, sweet juice, sweetened tea).
Storage
Store at room temperature under 30°C (86°F) away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.