Drug | Tablet

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults when diet and exercise alone are insufficient; useful when fasting and post-meal glucose are both elevated requiring dual therapy.

Glimepiride closes pancreatic β-cell ATP-sensitive K+ channels (SUR1/Kir6.2), causing depolarisation, Ca2+ influx and insulin release; metformin activates AMPK to reduce hepatic gluconeogenesis and improve peripheral insulin sensitivity.

Take Glimibrit M 1 Tablet with the first main meal of the day to reduce hypoglycaemia and GI upset; swallow whole with water; dose titration must be done by physician based on glucose readings.

Common: hypoglycaemia, nausea, diarrhoea, metallic taste, weight gain, headache; Serious: lactic acidosis (metformin), severe/prolonged hypoglycaemia, cholestatic jaundice, blood dyscrasias.

Monitor renal function before and during therapy; stop and seek urgent care for rapid breathing, severe weakness, abdominal pain (lactic acidosis symptoms); counsel on hypoglycaemia recognition and carrying glucose; dose reduction needed in elderly or reduced renal function; avoid dehydration and prolonged fasting; use caution in G6PD deficiency (haemolysis risk with sulfonylureas).

Alcohol: increases hypoglycaemia and lactic acidosis risk; iodinated contrast media: precipitates metformin-associated lactic acidosis—hold metformin at/around procedure per protocol; beta-blockers (propranolol/metoprolol): mask hypoglycaemia symptoms; fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin): dysglycaemia; ACE inhibitors: may enhance glucose-lowering effect; sulfonamides/azoles: increase sulfonylurea levels via CYP inhibition.

Store at 20–25°C (permitted 15–30°C) in a dry place, protected from moisture and direct light; keep in original blister.

Gemer 1 Tablet, Zoryl M 1 Tablet, Gluformin G 1 Tablet, Glador M1 Tablet, Glidum MF 1 Tablet, Glycomet Gp 1 Tablet, Glimestar M 1 Tablet, Gluconorm G 1 Tablet