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Used For Amaryl is prescribed with diet and exercise to lower the glucose level in blood for patients with diabetes (type II) mellitus. Amaryl may be used concomitantly with metformin along with diet and regular exercise. The medication is also indicated for use in combination with metformin & insulin to lower blood glucose in patients whose hyperglycemia cannot be controlled by diet and exercise in conjunction with an oral hypoglycemic agent.
Directions The usual starting dose of Amaryl as initial therapy is 1-2 mg once daily, administered with breakfast or the first main meal. Patients who may be more sensitive to hypoglycemic drugs can be started at 1 mg once daily, and thereafter titrated carefully. For maintenance purposes, the recommended dose is 1 to 4 mg once daily, with a maximum dosage of 8 mg once daily. After reaching a dose of 2 mg, dosage increases should be made in increments of no more than 2 mg at 1-2 week intervals based upon the patient's blood glucose response.
How It Works Some patients with impaired renal function may be more sensitive to the glucose-lowering effect of Amaryl and caution should be taken with them prior to the use of the drug. Hypoglycemia may occur if caloric intake is deficient, the patient undertakes severe or prolonged exercise, alcohol is ingested, or when more than one glucose-lowering drug is used. Hypoglycemia may be difficult to recognize in the elderly and in people who are taking beta-adrenergic blocking drugs or other sympatholytic agents and such patients need to be monitored carefully while on Amaryl.
Side Effects Like all other medications, Amaryl also has some side effects which include low blood sugar, anxiety, behavior change similar to being drunk, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, cool pale skin, difficulty in concentrating, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, restless sleep, shakiness, slurred speech, unusual tiredness or weakness and unusual weight gain. Some patients may also experience a change in their sense of taste, constipation, diarrhea; increased amount of urine or more frequent urination along with heartburn, increased or decreased appetite, passing of gas, stomach pain, fullness or discomfort and vomiting. In rare cases, Amaryl may lead to peeling of skin, skin redness, itching or rash, difficulty in focusing the eyes and increased sensitivity of skin to sun. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above side effects get aggravated or persist for an extended period.
Other Info The tablet may be split and taken at half the dose but only after medical advice. Other commonly used names for this medication include acetohexamide, chlorpropamide, gliclazide, glipizide, glyburide, tolazamide & tolbutamide.
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