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Glimepiride (Monograph)

Drug class: Sulfonylureas

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 10, 2025. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Antidiabetic agent; sulfonylurea.

Uses for Glimepiride

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents.

Commercially available as a single entity preparation and in fixed combination with pioglitazone (Duetact).

Guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and other experts generally recommend that use of sulfonylureas for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus be limited or discontinued due to increased risk of weight gain and hypoglycemia. Sulfonylureas may be considered in patients with access or cost barriers to other antidiabetic agents. When used, these guidelines recommend the lowest possible dosage. When selecting a treatment regimen, consider factors such as cardiovascular and renal comorbidities, drug efficacy and adverse effects, hypoglycemic risk, presence of overweight or obesity, cost, access, and patient preferences. Weight management should be included as a distinct treatment goal and other healthy lifestyle behaviors should also be considered.

Not indicated for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Glimepiride Dosage and Administration

General

Patient Monitoring

Dispensing and Administration Precautions

Administration

Oral Administration

Glimepiride: Administer once daily with breakfast or first main meal of the day.

Fixed combination of glimepiride and pioglitazone: Administer once daily with the first main meal.

Adjust dosage according to tolerance and fasting glucose determinations.

Use lowest effective dosage (either as monotherapy or in combination regimens) to reduce both fasting glucose concentrations and HbA1c values to normal or near normal.

Dosage

Adults

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Glimepiride Monotherapy
Oral

Initially, 1 or 2 mg of glimepiride once daily before breakfast or first main meal. In patients at risk for hypoglycemia, (e.g., geriatric patients), initial dosage should be 1 mg once daily.

In patients receiving 1 mg daily, increase dosage to 2 mg daily after 1–2 weeks if adequate glycemic control has not been achieved. After reaching 2 mg dosage, increase dosage in increments of no more than 1 or 2 mg daily at 1- to 2-week intervals up to a maximum of 8 mg once daily.

When transferring from most sulfonylurea antidiabetic agents to glimepiride, a transition period is generally not required. Since an exaggerated hypoglycemic response may occur during transition from a sulfonylurea with a prolonged half-life to glimepiride, monitor patients closely for hypoglycemia during the initial 1-2 weeks of the transition period.

Glimepiride/Pioglitazone Fixed-combination Therapy
Oral

Select initial dosage based on patient’s current dosage of glimepiride (or another sulfonylurea agent) and/or pioglitazone.

Patients currently receiving glimepiride monotherapy: Usual initial dosage is 2 or 4 mg of glimepiride and 30 mg of pioglitazone once daily.

Patients currently receiving pioglitazone monotherapy: Usual initial dosage is 2 mg of glimepiride and 30 mg of pioglitazone once daily.

Patients switching from concurrent therapy with separate glimepiride and pioglitazone preparations: Initiate the fixed combination at doses that are as close as possible to the dose of glimepiride and pioglitazone already being taken; adjust subsequent dosage based on response.

Patients transferring from monotherapy with other sulfonylureas or from combination therapy with pioglitazone and a sulfonylurea other than glimepiride: Initially, 2 mg of glimepiride and 30 mg of pioglitazone once daily; adjust subsequent dosage based on response.

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

Glimepiride monotherapy: No specific population dosage recommendations at this time.

Fixed combination of glimepiride and pioglitazone: No specific population dosage recommendations at this time; use with caution in patients with liver disease.

Renal Impairment

Glimepiride monotherapy: Initially, 1 mg once daily. Titrate dosage upward based on fasting glucose concentrations; conservative titration scheme recommended.

Fixed combination of glimepiride and pioglitazone: No specific population dosage recommendations at this time. To minimize risk of hypoglycemia, initial dosage, dosage increments, and maintenance dosage should be conservative.

Geriatric Patients

Geriatric individuals may be particularly sensitive to the hypoglycemic effects of glimepiride.

Glimepiride monotherapy: Initially, 1 mg once daily. Titrate dosage upward with care. Conservative initial and maintenance dosages recommended.

Fixed combination of glimepiride and pioglitazone: No specific population dosage recommendations at this time; initial dosage, dosage increments, and maintenance dosage should be conservative.

Patients with Heart Failure

Fixed combination of glimepiride and pioglitazone: Initiate glimepiride/pioglitazone fixed-combination at lowest recommended dosage; use fixed-combination preparation only after patient has received pioglitazone 15 mg once daily as monotherapy and has safely tolerated dosage titration to 30 mg once daily. If subsequent dosage adjustment required, closely monitor for weight gain, edema, or other manifestations of heart failure exacerbation.

Cautions for Glimepiride

Contraindications

Warnings/Precautions

Hypoglycemia

Can cause severe hypoglycemia; ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result. These impairments may present risk in situations where these abilities are important, such as driving or operating machinery. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness or convulsions and may result in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function or death.

Appropriate patient selection and careful attention to dosage are important to avoid glimepiride-induced hypoglycemia. Geriatric patients, debilitated, or malnourished patients, or those with adrenal, pituitary, renal, or hepatic impairment may be particularly susceptible to hypoglycemia. Use caution when initiating and increasing dosage in patients predisposed to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia more likely to occur when caloric intake is deficient, after severe or prolonged exercise, and when alcohol is ingested. Hypoglycemia may be more difficult to recognize in geriatric patients, in patients with autonomic neuropathy, and in those receiving β-adrenergic blocking agents or other sympatholytic agents. In these situations, severe hypoglycemia may occur before patient is aware of hypoglycemia.

Inform patients and responsible family members of risks of hypoglycemia, symptoms and treatment of hypoglycemic reactions, and conditions that predispose to the development of such reactions.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Postmarketing reports of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

If hypersensitivity reaction suspected, promptly discontinue glimepiride, assess for other potential causes of reaction, and initiate alternate treatment for diabetes mellitus.

Hemolytic Anemia

Sulfonylureas, including glimepiride, can cause hemolytic anemia in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Hemolytic anemia reported in patients receiving glimepiride with no known history of G6PD deficiency.

Use caution in patients with G6PD deficiency and consider use of non-sulfonylurea alternative.

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality

Oral hypoglycemic drugs reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality as compared to diet alone or diet plus insulin.

Inform patients of potential risk and advantages of glimepiride and of alternative therapy.

Macrovascular Outcomes

There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with glimepiride.

Use of Fixed Combinations

When used in fixed combination with pioglitazone or other drugs, consider the cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with pioglitazone or other concomitant agent(s).

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Available data from small number of published studies and decades of postmarketing experience have not identified any drug associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal outcomes. Sulfonylureas (including glimepiride) cross the placenta and have been associated with neonatal adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia. Prolonged hypoglycemia (lasting 4—10 days) reported in neonates born to mothers receiving sulfonylureas at time of delivery and with use of agents with prolonged half-life.

Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus during pregnancy carries risks for mother and fetus. Due to risk of prolonged hypoglycemia in neonates born to mothers receiving a sulfonylurea at time of delivery, glimepiride should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before expected delivery. Observe newborns for symptoms of hypoglycemia and respiratory distress and manage accordingly.

Lactation

No information regarding presence in human milk or effect on milk production. Distributed into milk in rats. Developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with any potential adverse effects on breast-fed child from glimepiride or from underlying maternal condition. Breast-fed infants of lactating women using glimepiride should be monitored for symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., jitters, cyanosis, apnea, hypothermia, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, seizures).

Pediatric Use

Use not recommended because of adverse effects on body weight and hypoglycemia.

Geriatric Use

No substantial differences in safety, efficacy, or pharmacokinetics relative to younger adults, but increased sensitivity cannot be ruled out.

Possible increased risk of adverse effects due to age-related decreases in renal function.

Increased risk of hypoglycemia; may be difficult to recognize in geriatric patients.

Use caution when initiating and increasing dosage of glimepiride in geriatric patients.

Hepatic Impairment

Pharmacokinetics of glimepiride not adequately evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment

Increased risk of hypoglycemia; conservative dosing recommended.

Obesity

Lower maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and AUC than patients with normal body weight with similar time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), clearance, and volume of distribution.

Common Adverse Effects

Most common adverse effects (≥5% and more common than placebo): Hypoglycemia, headache, nausea, dizziness.

Drug Interactions

Metabolized by CYP2C9.

Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Pharmacokinetic interactions likely with drugs that are inhibitors and inducers of CYP2C9; possible alteration in metabolism of glimepiride.

Protein-bound Drugs

Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (increased hypoglycemic effect).

Close observation recommended when initiating or discontinuing concomitant therapy with a highly protein-bound drug.

Drugs Affecting Glucose Metabolism

A number of medications affect glucose metabolism and may require glimepiride dosage adjustment and close monitoring for hypoglycemia or worsening glycemic control.

A number of medications reduce the glucose-lowering effect of glimepiride, leading to worsening glycemic control.

Signs of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent in patients taking sympatholytic drugs such as β-adrenergic blocking agents and clonidine.

Close observation recommended when initiating or discontinuing concomitant therapy.

Specific Drugs

Drug

Interaction

Comments

ACE inhibitors

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Alcohol (acute and chronic ingestion)

May potentiate or weaken hypoglycemic effect

Anabolic steroids and androgens

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Atypical antipsychotics (i.e., clozapine, olanzapine)

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Azole antifungals

Miconazole (oral): Increased hypoglycemic effect; severe hypoglycemia reported

Fluconazole: Increased plasma concentration of glimepiride; potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Miconazole: Not known whether interaction occurs with other antifungal dosage forms

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

β-Adrenergic blocking agents (e.g., propranolol)

Highly protein-bound drugs may displace glimepiride from plasma proteins and potentiate hypoglycemic effect

Increased peak plasma concentrations and half-life and decreased clearance of glimepiride with concomitant propranolol

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Signs of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent

Barbiturates

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Chloramphenicol

Highly protein-bound drugs may displace glimepiride from plasma proteins and potentiate hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Clarithromycin

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Colesevelam

Reduced maximum plasma concentration and total exposure of glimepiride

Administer glimepiride at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam

Corticosteroids

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Coumarin anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)

Highly protein-bound drugs may displace glimepiride from plasma proteins and potentiate hypoglycemic effect

No change in warfarin protein binding with concomitant administration but slight decrease in pharmacodynamic response

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

No clinically important pharmacokinetic interaction with warfarin reported

Cyclophosphamide

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Danazol

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Diazoxide

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Disopyramide

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Diuretics (e.g., thiazides)

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Estrogens

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Fibrates

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Fluoxetine

Highly protein-bound drugs may displace glimepiride from plasma proteins and potentiate hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Glucagon

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine)

Absorption and disposition of glimepiride not altered

Hormonal contraceptives

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Isoniazid

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Laxatives

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

MAO inhibitors

Highly protein-bound drugs may displace glimepiride from plasma proteins and potentiate hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Nicotinic acid

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

NSAIAs

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Pentoxifylline

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Phenothiazines

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Phenytoin

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Pramlintide acetate

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Probenecid

Highly protein-bound drugs may displace glimepiride from plasma proteins and potentiate hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Protease inhibitors

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Quinolones

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Rifampin

Rifampin may induce metabolism of glimepiride, causing decreased plasma concentrations of glimepiride, which may lead to worsening glycemic control

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Salicylates (e.g., aspirin)

Highly protein-bound drugs may displace glimepiride from plasma proteins and potentiate hypoglycemic effect

Possible decreased peak plasma concentrations and AUC of glimepiride

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Somatostatin analogs

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Somatropin

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Sulfonamides

Highly protein-bound drugs may displace glimepiride from plasma proteins and potentiate hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Sympathomimetic agents

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Tetracyclines

Potential for increased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for hypoglycemic effects when initiating concomitant therapy or loss of glycemic control when discontinuing such therapy

Thyroid hormones

Potential for decreased hypoglycemic effect

Observe carefully for loss of glycemic control when initiating concomitant therapy or hypoglycemic effects when discontinuing such therapy

Glimepiride Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Peak blood concentrations attained within 2–3 hours.

Onset

Time to maximum effect about 2–3 hours.

Duration

Glucose-lowering effect persists for 24 hours.

Food

Food decreases mean peak blood concentrations and AUC by 8 and 9%, respectively.

Distribution

Extent

Not known if glimepiride is distributed into human milk.

Plasma Protein Binding

>99.5%.

Elimination

Metabolism

Metabolized by CYP2C9 and by cytosolic enzymes to active and inactive metabolites.

Elimination Route

Excreted in urine (60%) and feces (40%) predominantly as metabolites.

Special Populations

Renal impairment: Decreased serum drug concentrations and increased concentrations and half-lives of the metabolites.

Geriatric patients: At steady state, lower mean AUC (13%) and increased clearance (11%) compared with younger patients.

Obesity: lower maximum plasma concentration and AUC compared to normal body weight.

No difference in pharmacokinetics based on sex (when adjusted for body weight) or race.

No difference in pharmacokinetics between healthy subjects and patients with diabetes mellitus.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Tablets

Glimepiride: Well-closed containers with safety closures at 20–25°C.

Actions

Advice to Patients

Additional Information

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer’s labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Glimepiride

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Tablets, scored

1 mg*

Glimepiride Tablets

2 mg*

Glimepiride Tablets

4 mg*

Glimepiride Tablets

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Glimepiride Combinations

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Tablets

2 mg with Pioglitazone Hydrochloride 30 mg (of pioglitazone)*

Duetact

Takeda

Glimepiride with Pioglitazone Hydrochloride

4 mg with Pioglitazone Hydrochloride 30 mg (of pioglitazone)*

Duetact

Takeda

Glimepiride with Pioglitazone Hydrochloride

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2025, Selected Revisions April 10, 2025. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

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