Comprehensive Product Description: Generic Amaryl (Glimepiride)
Generic Amaryl, containing glimepiride, is an oral sulfonylurea used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It lowers blood glucose by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas, enhancing peripheral insulin sensitivity, and improving glycemic control when diet and exercise alone are insufficient.
Product Name:
Generic Amaryl (Glimepiride Tablets)

Glimepiride

Other Common and Brand Names:
Amaryl

Glimy

Glimer

Glypride

Glimulin

Daonil (related sulfonylurea)

Glimepiride Generic

Therapeutic Class: Antidiabetic agent

Pharmacologic Class: Sulfonylureas

ATC Code: A10BB12

Regulatory Status: Prescription-only medication (Rx)

Glimepiride stimulates pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion and increases peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin. It achieves this by binding to ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K-ATP channels) on pancreatic beta cells, leading to insulin release. Additionally, it exhibits extrapancreatic activity by improving insulin signaling in muscle and adipose tissue, promoting glucose uptake.

Generic Amaryl is indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) when diet, exercise, and weight loss alone are not sufficient to control blood glucose.

It can be used:

As monotherapy

In combination with metformin, insulin, or other antidiabetic drugs (e.g., DPP-4 inhibitors)

Adults (Initial and Maintenance):
Starting dose: 1 mg or 2 mg once daily with breakfast or first main meal

Typical maintenance dose: 1–4 mg once daily

Maximum dose: 8 mg per day

Titrate the dose based on blood glucose monitoring at intervals of 1–2 weeks. Dose adjustments may be needed when combining with other hypoglycemic agents.

Elderly/Renal Impairment:
Start at 1 mg/day with close monitoring due to higher hypoglycemia risk

Available strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg tablets

Oral administration, once daily

Should be taken with breakfast to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia

Store at 15–30°C, away from moisture

Common Side Effects:
Hypoglycemia

Headache

Nausea

Dizziness

Weight gain

Severe hypoglycemia (especially in elderly or renal impaired patients)

Allergic reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria)

Hematologic disturbances (e.g., thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)

Hepatic dysfunction

Hypoglycemia: Monitor closely, especially in elderly, renal/liver impairment, or malnourished patients

Renal/hepatic impairment: Increased risk of prolonged hypoglycemia

Avoid alcohol: It may potentiate or mask hypoglycemia

Not for Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

Use during pregnancy/lactation only if benefits outweigh risks (insulin preferred)

Potentiating agents: Insulin, metformin, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, fluoroquinolones, MAO inhibitors

Reducing agents: Corticosteroids, thiazides, phenytoin, thyroid hormones

Beta-blockers: May mask hypoglycemia symptoms

Warfarin: Monitor INR closely due to altered anticoagulant effect

Pregnancy and Lactation:
Pregnancy Category C

Glimepiride may cross the placenta; insulin is preferred in pregnant women with diabetes

Not recommended during breastfeeding; risk of hypoglycemia in nursing infants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What is Generic Amaryl used for?
Generic Amaryl (glimepiride) is used to lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients when diet and exercise alone are not enough.

Q2. Can Generic Amaryl be used with metformin?
Yes, it is often combined with metformin or other agents like insulin to improve glycemic control.

Q3. What are the common side effects of glimepiride?
The most common side effect is hypoglycemia. Others include nausea, dizziness, and weight gain.

Q4. Is it safe in kidney disease?
Caution is advised in renal impairment. Start at a lower dose (1 mg) and monitor blood glucose closely.

Q5. Can I drink alcohol while on glimepiride?
Alcohol can increase the risk of severe hypoglycemia or mask its symptoms. It is best avoided.

Q6. Can glimepiride be used during pregnancy?
No. Insulin is the preferred treatment during pregnancy. Glimepiride may harm the unborn child.