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How should I take glimepiride?

Take glimepiride exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency.

Do not change your dose of glimepiride without first talking to your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Glimepiride is usually taken once a day, with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to check your blood sugar at home. Your blood will also need to be tested by your doctor on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Glimepiride is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

It is important to take glimepiride regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store glimepiride at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a glimepiride overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking glimepiride?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

Do not use glimepiride if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment.