Drug | Tablet

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (to control high blood sugar) when diet and exercise alone are not sufficient

Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea that increases insulin release from the pancreas and improves peripheral glucose utilization. Metformin reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity, lowering blood glucose without usually causing hypoglycaemia on its own.

Take exactly as prescribed. Usually taken once daily with or immediately after food (often with breakfast) to reduce stomach upset and hypoglycaemia risk. Swallow whole; do not crush or chew if modified-release. Monitor blood glucose regularly.

Hypoglycaemia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, metallic taste, headache, dizziness, weight gain, skin rash

Risk of hypoglycaemia (higher with missed meals, alcohol, excessive exercise, elderly). Metformin may rarely cause lactic acidosis—seek urgent care for rapid breathing, severe weakness, abdominal pain, drowsiness. Use with caution in kidney or liver disease; periodic renal function monitoring needed. Temporarily stop metformin during severe dehydration, serious infection, surgery, or before/after iodinated contrast procedures as advised by doctor. Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Alcohol (increases hypoglycaemia and lactic acidosis risk), insulin/other antidiabetics (additive hypoglycaemia), beta-blockers (may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms), corticosteroids and diuretics (may raise blood sugar), ACE inhibitors (may enhance glucose-lowering), fluoroquinolones (glucose disturbances), cimetidine (may increase metformin levels), iodinated contrast media (kidney injury/lactic acidosis risk), NSAIDs and other nephrotoxic drugs (renal risk)

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.

Amaryl M 2 Tablet, Glycomet-GP 2 Tablet, Glimy M 2 Tablet, Zoryl M 2 Tablet, Glynase MF 2 Tablet