Glimepiride

Glimepiride tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. Limitations of Use Glimepiride tablets should not be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these settings. Glimepiride tablets are a sulfonylurea indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( 1 ). Limitations of Use: Not for treating type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis ( 1 ).

• 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
• Administer with breakfast or first meal of the day
• Use 1 mg starting dose and titrate slowly in patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia (e.g., elderly, patients with renal impairment)
• Recommended Dosing Glimepiride tablets should be administered with breakfast or the first main meal of the day
• The recommended starting dose of glimepiride tablets are 1 mg or 2 mg once daily
• Patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia (e.g., the elderly or patients with renal impairment) should be started on 1 mg once daily [see Warnings and Precautions and Use in Specific Populations ]
• After reaching a daily dose of 2 mg, further dose increases can be made in increments of 1 mg or 2 mg based upon the patient’s glycemic response
• Uptitration should not occur more frequently than every 1 to 2 weeks
• A conservative titration scheme is recommended for patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions and Use in Specific Populations ]
• The maximum recommended dose is 8 mg once daily
• Patients being transferred to glimepiride tablets from longer half-life sulfonylureas (e.g., chlorpropamide) may have overlapping drug effect for 1 to 2 weeks and should be appropriately monitored for hypoglycemia. …

Glimepiride tablets USP, are formulated as tablets of: Glimepiride tablets USP, 1 mg are peach, oval, flat beveled edged, uncoated tablets debossed “RDY” on one side and “320” separating “3” and “20” with bisect line scoring on the other side. …

• The pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of glimepiride have been evaluated
• In pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes as described below
• Glimepiride tablets are not recommended
• In pediatric patients because of its adverse effects on body weight and hypoglycemia
• The pharmacokinetics of a 1 mg single dose of glimepiride was evaluated in 30 patients with type 2 diabetes (male = 7; female = 23) between ages 10 and 17 years. …

In clinical trials of glimepiride, 1053 of 3491 patients (30%) were >65 years of age. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. …

• Hypoglycemia Explain the symptoms and treatment of hypoglycemia as well as conditions that predispose to hypoglycemia
• Inform patients that their ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycemia and that this may present a risk in situations where these abilities are especially important, such as driving or operating other machinery [see Warnings and Precautions ]
• Hypersensitivity Reactions Inform patients that hypersensitivity reactions may occur with glimepiride and that if a reaction occurs to seek medical treatment and discontinue glimepiride [see Warnings and Precautions ]. …

• Glimepiride tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to: Glimepiride or any of the product’s ingredients [see Warnings and Precautions ]
• 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. …

Certain medications may affect glucose metabolism, requiring glimepiride tablets dose adjustment and close monitoring of blood glucose ( 7.1 ). Miconazole: Severe hypoglycemia can occur when glimepiride and oral miconazole are used concomitantly. ( 7.2 ). Cytochrome P450 2C9 interactions: Inhibitors and inducers of cytochrome P450 2C9 may affect glycemic control by altering glimepiride plasma concentrations ( 7.3 ). Colesevelam: Coadministration may reduce glimepiride absorption. Glimepiride should be administered at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam ( 2.1 , 7.4 ). …

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 ( 5.1 ). Hypersensitivity Reactions: Postmarketing reports include anaphylaxis, angioedema and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. If a reaction is suspected, promptly discontinue glimepiride, assess for other potential causes for the reaction, and institute alternative treatment for diabetes ( 5.2 ). Hemolytic Anemia: Can occur if glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient. Consider a non-sulfonylurea alternative. ( 5.3 ). …

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hemolytic anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions with glimepiride were hypoglycemia, dizziness, asthenia, headache, and nausea. Common adverse reactions in clinical trials (≥5% and more common than with placebo) include hypoglycemia, headache, nausea, and dizziness ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc. at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . …

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from a small number of published studies and postmarketing experience with glimepiride use in pregnancy over decades have not identified any drug associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal outcomes. However, sulfonylureas (including glimepiride) cross the placenta and have been associated with neonatal adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia. …

An overdosage of glimepiride tablets, as with other sulfonylureas, can produce severe hypoglycemia. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia can be treated with oral glucose. Severe hypoglycemic reactions constitute medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment. Severe hypoglycemia with coma, seizure, or neurological impairment can be treated with glucagon or intravenous glucose. Continued observation and additional carbohydrate intake may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

Tome assim que lembrar, a menos que esteja quase na hora da próxima dose. Nesse caso, pule a dose esquecida. Nunca tome duas doses de uma vez para compensar. Confira a bula, pois alguns medicamentos são diferentes.