About Glimepiride + Metformin 2 mg/500 mg Tablet
Glimepiride + Metformin 2 mg/500 mg Tablet contains Glimepiride 2 mg + Metformin 500 mg (SR). This combination of two diabetes medicines is used, along with diet and exercise, to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Glimepiride helps the pancreas release more insulin and metformin helps the body use insulin better. It can cause low blood sugar, so it is important to eat regular meals.
Uses of Glimepiride + Metformin 2 mg/500 mg Tablet
- Type 2 diabetes in adults, when one medicine alone is not enough
Benefits
In type 2 diabetes
It helps keep blood sugar within the target range set by your doctor. Good sugar control over time lowers the risk of diabetes problems affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach upset
- Metallic taste
- Low blood sugar
- Headache
Get medical help if you notice
- Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, hunger, dizziness, confusion or blurred vision — eat or drink something sugary straight away (such as glucose, sugar or fruit juice) and get medical help if you do not improve or become drowsy
- Fast breathing, muscle pain, unusual tiredness, stomach pain and feeling very unwell (possible lactic acidosis, a rare problem with metformin) — stop and get emergency help
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, with or just after a meal (usually breakfast). Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it. Do not skip meals after taking it.
How it works
Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea that prompts the pancreas to release more insulin. Metformin lowers the amount of sugar made by the liver and helps the body respond better to insulin.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It raises the risk of low blood sugar and of lactic acidosis.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It should not be used in pregnancy. Your doctor will usually switch you to insulin.
Breastfeeding Unsafe
It should not be used while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor about other options.
Driving Caution
Low blood sugar can affect your concentration. Do not drive if you feel shaky, dizzy or confused, and check your sugar before long drives if advised.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor will check your kidney function. It must not be used in severe kidney disease.
Liver Caution
It should not be used in severe liver disease. Tell your doctor if you have any liver problem.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it with your next meal if it is soon after. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Always carry a sugary snack or glucose in case of low blood sugar.
- Eat meals on time; do not skip meals.
- Check your blood sugar as your doctor advises.
- Tell your doctor before any scan or X-ray that uses a dye, or before surgery — the medicine may need to be stopped for a short time.
- Your doctor may check your vitamin B12 level during long-term use.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Same salts, other strengths or forms
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Sulfonylurea (glimepiride); biguanide (metformin)
- Therapeutic class
- Diabetes
- Action class
- Insulin secretagogue + insulin sensitiser
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Insulin and other diabetes medicines | Higher risk of low blood sugar |
| Beta-blockers such as metoprolol | May hide the warning signs of low blood sugar |
| Steroids, thiazide water pills | May raise blood sugar |
| Fluconazole, some antibiotics | May increase the effect of glimepiride and the risk of low blood sugar |
| Iodine-containing contrast dyes | Higher risk of kidney problems and lactic acidosis |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Glimepiride and metformin prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: glimepiride; metformin hydrochloride). Pharmacist review pending.