Glimepiride starts working in approximately 2-3 hours after ingestion and lasts up to 24 hours in the patient’s body who is suffering from high blood sugar level. But, certain factors may affect the duration and onset of the drug’s action.
For instance, patients with liver function or impaired kidney may experience a prolonged effect of the medicine, and timing and dosage of a single dose may significantly affect how long it will take to work.
Detailed information on Glimepiride
This medicine is used to manage a stable blood sugar level of people with type-2 diabetes. It is taken orally and comes in the group of drugs known as sulfonylureas. Glimepiride may be used for treatment of long-term diabetes as well.
It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is noted to be a safe medication, as it is not addictive and habit-forming. Amaryl is the branded medicine which is available for Glimepiride.
Mechanism of Action
When this drug is consumed, it goes into the circulatory system and then to pancreas. After that, it begins to bind with particular receptors on the beta cells. This binding releases the insulin into the flow of blood.
Insulin acts as a messenger which allows these cells to take in glucose from the blood and helps to minimize the elevated blood sugar levels.
Available Forms
This medication can be obtained in oral tablet form with strength 1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg.
Effectiveness of the Drug
Glimepiride increases the insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity, which together effectively decrease the blood glucose level. The effectiveness of this drug reduces the fasting plasma glucose and postprandial blood sugar control.
In addition, it is more effective while taking other diabetes medications such as Abatacept, Acarbose, and many more.
Patient’s Response
After consuming this drug, some individuals have experienced a few common side effects like nausea, headache, dizziness, etc. It is advised to immediately contact the doctor and take dosages according to the prescription.
People may experience fluctuation in the blood sugar level which may also lead to Hypoglycemia, an issue in which sugar level is reduced.