glimepiride Health Article

• signs of congestive heart failure (swelling or rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, chest pain);

• restlessness, irritability, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, confusion, or seizure (convulsions);

• skin rash, itching, redness, or irritation;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• dizziness or weakness;

• headache, blurred vision;

• mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

• increased skin sensitivity to sunlight; or

• dark urine.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect glimepiride?

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking glimepiride with other drugs that raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar include:

• isoniazid;

• diuretics (water pills);

• steroids (prednisone and others);

• phenothiazines (Compazine and others);

• thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);

• birth control pills and other hormones;

• seizure medicines (Dilantin and others);

• diet pills; and

• medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.

You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you are taking glimepiride other drugs that lower blood sugar. Drugs that can lower blood sugar include:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);

• aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol);

• sulfa drugs (Bactrim and others);

• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI);

• beta-blockers (Tenormin and others);

• probenecid (Benemid); or

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin and others).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take glimepiride, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect glimepiride. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about glimepiride written for health professionals that you may read.