About glimepiride + metformin hcl
Sulfonylurea and biguanide combination
Used for
- Treats type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise.
- Helps lower blood sugar when lifestyle measures alone are insufficient.
Usual adult dose
Usually one tablet with a meal once or twice daily; dose is adjusted gradually using blood sugar and tolerability.
Common side effects
- Low blood sugar
- Nausea, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort
- Headache or dizziness
- Vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term metformin use
Important warnings
- Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Metformin can rarely cause serious lactic acidosis, especially with severe kidney problems.
- Low blood sugar risk increases with missed meals, alcohol, or strenuous exercise.
- Kidney function should be checked; may need temporary interruption around contrast imaging or major surgery.
Pregnancy
Generally not preferred during pregnancy; insulin is usually used. Treatment decisions require clinician oversight.
Breastfeeding
Metformin enters breast milk in small amounts; glimepiride may pose risk to a nursing infant. Seek clinician guidance.
Interactions
- Insulin and other diabetes medicines increase low blood sugar risk.
- Alcohol can increase low blood sugar and lactic acidosis risk.
- Some antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatory medicines can alter blood sugar or drug effects.
- Iodinated contrast agents may require temporary metformin interruption.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.