GLIMEPIRIDE (Generic for AMARYL)

Glimepiride 2mg, Oral tablet

Tobacco

· Severity: Mild

· Notes for Consumers: If you use tobacco or are trying to quit tobacco use, you may need to monitor your blood sugar more frequently. Nicotine, a component of tobacco, can increase the blood sugar. Also, if you are trying to quit smoking, as your body adjusts to not smoking, your blood sugar levels may change; the actions of Antidiabetic Agents (medicines used to treat diabetes) may be increased and this could lead to low blood sugar. Know the symptoms of low or high blood sugar and report them if they occur. Monitor your blood sugar regularly.

· Notes for Professionals: Tobacco smoking is known to aggravate insulin resistance. The cessation of nicotine therapy or tobacco smoking may result in a decrease in blood glucose. Blood glucose concentrations should be monitored more closely whenever a change in either nicotine intake or smoking status occurs; dosage adjustments in antidiabetic agents may be needed.

Glimepiride 2mg, Oral tablet

Alcohol

· Severity: Moderate

· Notes for Consumers: It is best to limit the ingestion of alcohol during use of this medicine. Alcohol can increase the risk for severe or prolonged low blood sugar. If you do choose to drink alcohol, make sure you do not take it on an empty stomach. Frequently monitor your blood sugar. Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat them. Do not drive or operate machinery, or perform other hazardous tasks while ingesting alcohol.

· Notes for Professionals: Patients should be advised to limit alcohol (ethanol) ingestion when treated with a sulfonylurea. Ethanol inhibits gluconeogenesis, which can contribute to or increase the risk for hypoglycemia. In some patients taking sulfonylureas, hypoglycemia can be prolonged. If a patient with diabetes ingests alcohol, they should be counselled to to avoid ingestion of alcohol on an empty stomach, which increases risk for low blood sugar. Patients should also be aware of the carbohydrate intake provided by certain types of alcohol in the diet, which can contribute to poor glycemic control. If a patient chooses to ingest alcohol, they should monitor their blood glucose frequently. Many non-prescription drug products may be formulated with alcohol; instruct patients to scrutinize product labels prior to consumption. Rare reports of a disulfiram-like reaction have also been reported with some sulfonylureas.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>