Amaryl drug: Uses and safe doses

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1. The main active ingredient of the drug Amaryl

Amaryl is a diabetes drug, with the active ingredient being glimepiride, belonging to the 2nd generation Sulfonylurea group (overcoming the disadvantages of the previous generation, which is to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and cause less weight gain). The active ingredient glimepiride has many different trade names, Amaryl is a trade name owned by the multinational pharmaceutical company Sanofi Aventis.
Amaryl has different glimepiride active ingredients: 1mg, 2mg, 3mg, 4mg (Amaryl 1mg, Amaryl 2mg, Amaryl 3mg, Amaryl 4mg). Depending on the patient's blood sugar status, the doctor will make an appropriate choice. Amaryl is a prescription medication.
In 1995, the US Food and Drug Administration - FDA officially approved the use of Amaryl drug to treat type 2 diabetes.

2. What is the mechanism of action of Amaryl?

Glimepiride is effective in lowering blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes without ketoacidosis. The drug can be used as a monotherapy in combination with a scientific diet and exercise, or in combination with other classes of diabetes drugs, or used together with insulin to increase the effectiveness of the patient's blood sugar control. . The mechanism of action of glimepiride is to stimulate the pancreas to increase the production of insulin - the hormone responsible for bringing sugar from the blood into the cells for use, reducing blood sugar levels. At the same time, glimepiride increases the absorption of sugar from the blood into muscle cells, fat cells and reduces the process of gluconeogenesis in the liver.

3. Dosage of Amaryl

Dosage of Amaryl is indicated depending on the state of hyperglycemia, age and response to treatment of each patient. The specific recommended dosage is as follows:
Adults: The starting dose of Amaryl is 1-2mg, taken once a day. The daily maintenance dose may be increased over 1-2 weeks of treatment in accordance with the dose level: 1mg-2mg-3mg-4mg but should not exceed the safe dose of 8mg/day. Children: Currently, the dose of Amaryl has not been studied for safety in children, so parents need to follow the instructions of the doctor/pharmacist when using the medicine for children.

4. Time to take Amaryl

Amaryl with any concentration is usually taken only once a day, at a fixed time, recommended is morning. It should be taken immediately before or during breakfast, with a large glass of water. Always take with a meal after taking the medicine to avoid a sudden drop in blood sugar. It is necessary to check blood sugar levels regularly when using the drug.

5. Side effects of the drug Amaryl

Common side effects of Amaryl:
Patient has a feeling of nausea. Headache. Dizziness Flu symptoms appear. When using Amaryl, you can also experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, lightheadedness... This symptom will be worse when the patient uses alcohol during the drug use.
Hypoglycemia may occur with symptoms of headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, dizziness, tremors, difficulty concentrating ... patients need to bring sweet foods to prevent a condition in which blood sugar is too low due to the effects of medication.
Pale skin or jaundice, other skin reactions with severity, dark urine, fever, confusion or weakness, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, trouble breathing...: need report Tell your doctor right away if you experience this side effect.

6. Notes when using Amaryl

Use Amaryl as prescribed by your doctor, do not increase/decrease the dose or quit on your own. Check your blood sugar regularly, especially during times of stress, when traveling, during surgery or medical emergency, after vigorous exercise or drinking... may affect blood sugar levels and the dose of the drug. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual, do not double the dose. The skin will be easily sunburned when taking Amaryl for a long time, so it is necessary to avoid exposing the skin to direct sunlight, emitting ultraviolet light... Use sunscreen, wear long-sleeved clothes when out on a hot day. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. Store the medicine at room temperature, away from moisture, away from light, do not leave the medicine in the bathroom, do not store in the freezer, keep the medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Inform the doctor about the medications that the patient is taking so that the doctor can weigh the benefits and risks of possible drug interactions. For detailed advice, please come directly to Vinmec health system or register online HERE.