Gluconor 1mg Tablet 1 Strip

Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea antidiabetic agent which decreases blood glucose concentration. The primary mechanism of action of Glimepiride appears to be dependent on stimulating the release of insulin from functioning pancreatic beta cells. Glimepiride acts in concert with glucose by improving the sensitivity of beta cells to physiological glucose stimulus, resulting in insulin secretion. In addition, extrapancreatic effects like reduction of basal hepatic glucose production, increased peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin and glucose uptake may also play a role in the activity of Glimepiride. In non-fasting diabetic patients, the hypoglycaemic action of a single dose of Glimepiride persists for 24 hours.

• In principle, the dosage of Glimepiride is governed by the desired blood sugar level. The dosage of Glimepiride must be the lowest that is sufficient to achieve the desired metabolic control. The initial and the maintenance doses are set based on the results of regular checks of glucose in blood and urine. Monitoring of glucose levels in blood and urine also serves to detect either primary or secondary failure of therapy.
• Initial dose and dose titration: the usual initial dose is 1 mg once daily; if necessary, the daily dose can be increased. Any increase can be based on regular blood sugar monitoring, and should be gradual, i.e., at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks, and carried out stepwise, as follows: 1 mg -> 2 mg -> 3 mg -> 4 mg -> 6 mg.
• Dose in patients with well-controlled diabetes: the usual dose range in patients with well-controlled diabetes is 1 to 4 mg daily.
• Distribution of doses: Timing and distribution of doses are decided by the physician, in consideration of the patient's current lifestyle. Normally, a single daily dose is sufficient. This should be taken immediately before a substantial breakfast or if none is taken immediately before the first main meal. It is very important not to skip meals after taking the drug.
• Secondary dosage adjustment: As control of diabetes improves, sensitivity to insulin increases; therefore, Glimepiride requirement may fall as treatment proceeds. To avoid hypoglycaemia, timely dose reduction or cessation of Glimepiride therapy must be considered. A dose adjustment must also be considered whenever the patient's weight or lifestyle changes, or other factors arise which cause an increased susceptibility to hypo- or hyperglycaemia.
• Changeover from other oral antidiabetics to Glimepiride: There is no exact dosage relationship between Glimepiride and other oral blood sugar lowering agents. When substituting Glimepiride for other such agents, the initial daily dose is 1 mg; this applies even in changeover from the maximum dose of other oral blood sugar lowering agents. Any dose increase should be in accordance with the guideline given above in 'initial dose and dose titration'. Consideration must be given to the potency and duration of action of the previous blood sugar lowering agent. It may be necessary to interrupt treatment to avoid additive effects which would increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Glimepiride tablet must be swallowed with a sufficient amount of liquid.

Based on experience with Gluconor and known interactions for other sulfonylureas, the following interactions must be considered.

In addition to insulin and other oral antidiabetic agents, drugs which may potentiate the hypoglycaemic action of Gluconor include: ACE inhibitors, aminosalicylic acid, anabolic steroids and male sex hormones, azapropazone, chloramphenicol, ciofibrate, coumarin derivatives, cyclophosphamide, disopyramide, fenfluramine, fenyramidol, fibrates, fluconazole, fluoxetine, guanethidine, ifosfamide, MAO-inhibitors, miconazole, oxpentifylline (high dose parenteral), oxyphenbutazone, para-aminosalicylic acid, phenylbutazone, probenecid, quinolones, salicylates, sulphinpyrazone, sulfonamide antibiotics, tetracyclines, tritoqualine, trofosfamide.

Drugs which may attenuate the hypoglycaemic action of Gluconor include:

• Acetazolamide, barbiturates, calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids, diazoxide, diuretics, glucagon, isoniazid, laxatives, nicotinic acid (high doses), oestrogens, phenothiazines, phenytoin, progestagens, rifampicin, sympathomimetic agents, thyroid hormones.
• H2 receptor antagonists, beta-blockers, clonidine and reserpine may lead to either potentiation or weakening of the blood-glucose-lowering effect.
• Concomitant treatment with a beta-receptor blocker, clonidine, guanethidine or reserpine may mask the warning symptoms of a hypoglycaemic attack.
• Acute and chronic alcohol intake may either potentiate or unpredictably attenuate the activity of Gluconor.

Glimepiride is not suitable for the treatment of insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes mellitus, or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, nor for the treatment of diabetic coma. Glimepiride must not be used in patients hypersensitive to Glimepiride, other sulfonylureas, other sulfonamides, those with severe hepatic dysfunction, severe impairment of renal function, or dialysis patients.

Side Effects are Hypoglycaemia, temporary visual impairment, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urticaria, and a fall in blood pressure.

Glimepiride must not be taken during pregnancy; a changeover to insulin is necessary. Patients planning a pregnancy must inform their physician and should change over to insulin. Ingestion of Glimepiride with breast milk feeding may harm the child. Therefore, Glimepiride must not be taken by breastfeeding women. Either a changeover or complete discontinuation of breastfeeding is necessary.

In the initial weeks of treatment, the risk of hypoglycaemia may be increased and necessitates careful monitoring. If such risk is present, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage of Gluconor. Hypoglycaemia can almost be promptly controlled by immediate intake of carbohydrates (glucose or sugar).

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children.