Glimepiride is an oral blood-glucose-lowering drug of the sulfonylurea class. The primary mechanism of action of glimepiride in lowering blood glucose depends on stimulating the release of insulin from functioning pancreatic beta cells. Glimepiride augments the normal action of insulin on peripheral glucose uptake. Glimepiride is completely absorbed from the Gastro intestinal tract after oral administration. Glimepiride is completely metabolized by oxidative biotransformation after either an IV or oral dose. The major metabolities are the cyclohexyl hydroxy methyl derivative (MI) and the carboxyl derivative (M2). Approximately 60% of the total radioactivity was recovered in the urine in 7 days and M1 (predominant) and M2 accounted for 80-90% of that recovered in the urine when C-glimepiride was given orally. Approximately 40% of the total radioactivity was recovered in feces and M1 and M2 (predominant) accounted for about 70% of that recovered in feces. Glimepiride protein binding was greater than 99,55.
Indications:
Glimepiride is indicated for patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM/diabetes type II) whose hyperglycemia cannot controlled by diet and exercise alone. Glimepiride is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce the blood glucose. Glimepiride can be combine with insulin, but this combination may increase the potential for hypoglicemia.
Dosage:
In principle the dosage of glimepiride governed by derised blood sugar level. The dosage of glimepiride must be the lowest which is sufficient to achieve the desired metabolic control. Treatment with glimepiride must be initiated and monitored by a doctor. Glimepiride must be taken at the times and in the doses prescribed. The initial and the maintenance doses are set based on the result of regular checks of glucose in blood and urine. Monitoring of glucose levels in blood and urine also to detect either primary or secondary failure of therapy.
