Glimepiride

Description

Glimepiride is an oral sulfonylurea that contains the active ingredient glimepiride. The chemical structure of glimepiride is defined as 1-[[p-2-(3-ethyl-4-methyl-2-oxo-3-pyrroline-1-carboxamido) ethylphenyl]sulfonyl]-3-(trans-4-methylcyclohexyl)urea, with a chemical formula of C24H34N4O5S and a molecular weight of 490.62.

Glimepiride USP appears as a white to almost white, crystalline, odorless to practically odorless powder, which is practically insoluble in water. The formulation of Glimepiride Tablets includes the active ingredient glimepiride along with several inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium starch glycolate.

The 1 mg tablets contain Ferric Oxide Red, while the 2 mg tablets are formulated with FD&C Blue #2 Indigo carmine Lake and Ferric Oxide Yellow. The 3 mg tablets include Ferric Oxide Yellow, and the 4 mg tablets contain FD&C Blue #2 Indigo carmine Lake. The 6 mg tablets are composed of Ferric Oxide Red.

Uses and Indications

Glimepiride is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Important limitations of use include that glimepiride is not indicated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with glimepiride.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended starting dose for the medication is 1 or 2 mg administered once daily. Dosing may be increased in increments of 1 or 2 mg, but such adjustments should not occur more frequently than every 1 to 2 weeks, and should be guided by the patient's glycemic response. The maximum recommended dose is 8 mg once daily.

Administration should occur with breakfast or the first meal of the day to optimize absorption and efficacy. For patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia, such as the elderly or those with renal impairment, it is advised to initiate treatment with a starting dose of 1 mg and to titrate slowly to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to glimepiride or any of its ingredients. Additionally, individuals with a known hypersensitivity to sulfonamide derivatives should not use this product due to the potential for cross-reactivity.

Warnings and Precautions

Patients using glimepiride should be closely monitored for several critical safety concerns.

Hypoglycemia is a significant risk associated with glimepiride, which may be severe. Healthcare professionals must ensure proper patient selection, dosing, and provide clear instructions, particularly for at-risk populations such as the elderly and those with renal impairment. Caution is also advised when glimepiride is used in conjunction with other anti-diabetic medications.

Hypersensitivity Reactions have been reported in postmarketing surveillance, including severe cases such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. In the event of such reactions, glimepiride should be promptly discontinued. Healthcare providers should assess for alternative causes, implement appropriate monitoring and treatment, and consider initiating a different diabetes management strategy.

Hemolytic Anemia may occur in patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. In these cases, it is advisable to consider a non-sulfonylurea alternative to mitigate this risk.

There is a potential increased risk of cardiovascular mortality associated with sulfonylureas, including glimepiride. It is essential for healthcare providers to inform patients about the risks, benefits, and available treatment alternatives.

Regarding macrovascular outcomes, it is important to note that there are no clinical studies that conclusively establish evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with glimepiride or any other anti-diabetic medication.

Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant and ensure that patients are adequately informed about these warnings and precautions to promote safe and effective use of glimepiride.

Side Effects

Common adverse reactions observed in patients include hypoglycemia, headache, nausea, and dizziness.

Serious adverse reactions may occur, with hypoglycemia being a notable concern, as it can be severe. It is essential to ensure proper patient selection, dosing, and instructions, particularly for at-risk populations such as the elderly and those with renal impairment, as well as when glimepiride is used in conjunction with other anti-diabetic medications.

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in postmarketing experiences, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. In such cases, glimepiride should be promptly discontinued, and appropriate monitoring and treatment should be instituted, along with alternative diabetes management strategies. Hemolytic anemia may occur in patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and a non-sulfonylurea alternative should be considered for these individuals.

Patients should be informed of the potential increased risk of cardiovascular mortality associated with sulfonylureas, as well as the lack of conclusive evidence from clinical studies regarding macrovascular risk reduction with glimepiride or any other anti-diabetic drug.

Additional adverse reactions include hypersensitivity to glimepiride or any of its ingredients, as well as hypersensitivity to sulfonamide derivatives. Overdosage of glimepiride, similar to other sulfonylureas, can lead to severe hypoglycemia. Mild hypoglycemic episodes can typically be managed with oral glucose, while severe reactions represent medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention. Severe hypoglycemia may result in coma, seizure, or neurological impairment, necessitating treatment with glucagon or intravenous glucose, along with continued observation and potential additional carbohydrate intake due to the risk of recurrence.

In pediatric patients, the profile of adverse reactions associated with glimepiride was found to be similar to that observed in adults. Hypoglycemic events, defined by blood glucose values below 36 mg/dL, were documented in 4% of pediatric patients treated with glimepiride, compared to 1% in those treated with metformin. Notably, one patient in each treatment group experienced a severe hypoglycemic episode, with severity assessed by the investigator based on observed signs and symptoms. Caution is advised when initiating or increasing the dose of glimepiride in elderly patients, as they may exhibit greater sensitivity and renal impairment.

Drug Interactions

Certain medications may influence glucose metabolism, necessitating careful management of glimepiride therapy.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

• Miconazole: The concomitant use of glimepiride and oral miconazole can lead to severe hypoglycemia. It is advised to monitor blood glucose levels closely and consider dose adjustments of glimepiride when these agents are used together.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

• Cytochrome P450 2C9: Inhibitors and inducers of cytochrome P450 2C9 may alter the plasma concentrations of glimepiride, potentially impacting glycemic control. Regular monitoring of blood glucose is recommended, and dosage adjustments of glimepiride may be necessary based on the clinical response and plasma glucose levels.

Packaging & NDC

The table below lists all NDC Code configurations of Glimepiride, the U.S. brand-name prescription product. Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Glimepiride is not recommended for use in pediatric patients due to its adverse effects on body weight and the risk of hypoglycemia. The pharmacokinetics of a single 1 mg dose of glimepiride was assessed in a study involving 30 patients aged 10 to 17 years with type 2 diabetes.

In a single-blind, 24-week trial, the safety and efficacy of glimepiride were evaluated in 272 patients aged 8 to 17 years, who were randomized to receive either glimepiride (n=135) or metformin (n=137). Glimepiride was initiated at a dose of 1 mg, with titration to 2, 4, or 8 mg (mean final dose of 4 mg) by Week 12. Hypoglycemic events, defined as blood glucose values <36 mg/dL, were reported in 4% of pediatric patients treated with glimepiride, compared to 1% in those treated with metformin.

Geriatric Use

In clinical trials involving glimepiride, 30% of the participants (1053 out of 3491 patients) were aged 65 years or older. While no overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients and their younger counterparts, it is important to note that greater sensitivity to the medication may be present in some older individuals.

Pharmacokinetic studies have shown no significant differences in the metabolism of glimepiride between patients with type 2 diabetes aged 65 years or younger (n=49) and those older than 65 years (n=42). However, glimepiride is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and elderly patients are more likely to experience renal impairment, which may necessitate careful monitoring and potential dose adjustments.

Additionally, hypoglycemia can be particularly challenging to recognize in geriatric patients, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Therefore, it is advised to exercise caution when initiating therapy with glimepiride or when increasing the dosage in this population. Regular monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia and renal function is recommended to ensure patient safety.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of glimepiride in pregnant women; therefore, it is classified as Pregnancy Category C. In animal studies, glimepiride did not increase the incidence of congenital anomalies; however, an increase in fetal deaths was observed in rats and rabbits at doses significantly higher than the maximum recommended human dose, specifically 50 times the dose in rats and 0.1 times in rabbits, based on body surface area. This fetotoxicity was noted only at doses that induced maternal hypoglycemia, which is believed to be directly related to the pharmacologic action of glimepiride. Similar effects have been reported with other sulfonylureas.

Glimepiride should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is important to note that abnormal blood glucose levels during pregnancy are associated with a higher incidence of congenital abnormalities; therefore, diabetes treatment during pregnancy should aim to maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Additionally, prolonged severe hypoglycemia (lasting 4 to 10 days) has been reported in neonates born to mothers who received a sulfonylurea at the time of delivery. Healthcare professionals should carefully consider these factors when prescribing glimepiride to pregnant patients.

Lactation

It is not known whether glimepiride is excreted in human milk. However, during pre- and post-natal studies in rats, significant concentrations of glimepiride were detected in both breast milk and the serum of the pups. Offspring of rats exposed to high levels of glimepiride during pregnancy and lactation exhibited skeletal deformities, including shortening, thickening, and bending of the humerus, which were attributed to nursing from mothers exposed to glimepiride.

Given these animal data and the potential risk of hypoglycemia in a nursing infant, lactating mothers should carefully consider whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue glimepiride therapy, weighing the importance of the medication to the mother against the potential risks to the infant.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment may experience severe hypoglycemia. It is essential to ensure proper patient selection, dosing, and instructions, particularly in at-risk populations such as the elderly and those with reduced kidney function. Caution should be exercised when this medication is used in conjunction with other anti-diabetic medications to mitigate the risk of hypoglycemia. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended to ensure patient safety and effective management.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the available information.

Overdosage

An overdosage of glimepiride, similar to other sulfonylureas, can lead to severe hypoglycemia, which poses significant health risks.

Symptoms and Initial Management Mild episodes of hypoglycemia can typically be managed effectively with the administration of oral glucose. However, healthcare professionals should be vigilant, as severe hypoglycemic reactions represent medical emergencies that necessitate immediate intervention.

Severe Hypoglycemia Treatment In cases of severe hypoglycemia, characterized by coma, seizures, or neurological impairment, treatment options include the administration of glucagon or intravenous glucose. These interventions are critical to rapidly restore normal blood glucose levels and prevent further complications.

Post-Treatment Considerations Following initial treatment, continued observation of the patient is essential. Additional carbohydrate intake may be required, as hypoglycemia can recur even after apparent clinical recovery. Healthcare providers should ensure that patients are monitored closely to manage any potential resurgence of symptoms effectively.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Studies conducted in rats at doses of up to 5000 parts per million (ppm) in complete feed, which is approximately 340 times the maximum recommended human dose based on surface area, for a duration of 30 months, demonstrated no evidence of carcinogenesis. In contrast, administration of glimepiride in mice over a 24-month period resulted in a dose-related increase in benign pancreatic adenoma formation, attributed to chronic pancreatic stimulation. Notably, no adenoma formation was observed in mice at a dose of 320 ppm in complete feed, equating to 46 to 54 mg/kg body weight/day, which is about 35 times the maximum human recommended dose of 8 mg once daily based on surface area.

Glimepiride was found to be non-mutagenic in a comprehensive array of in vitro and in vivo mutagenicity studies, including the Ames test, somatic cell mutation assays, chromosomal aberration tests, unscheduled DNA synthesis evaluations, and the mouse micronucleus test. Furthermore, glimepiride did not adversely affect male mouse fertility in animals exposed to doses up to 2500 mg/kg body weight, which is over 1,700 times the maximum recommended human dose based on surface area. Similarly, no effects on fertility were observed in male and female rats administered glimepiride at doses up to 4000 mg/kg body weight, approximately 4,000 times the maximum recommended human dose based on surface area.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of the medication. Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, pruritus, and urticaria, have been reported. Additionally, cases of severe hypoglycemia have been documented, with some instances necessitating hospitalization.

Elevations in liver enzymes, including transaminases, have been observed in patients receiving glimepiride. Rare occurrences of thrombocytopenia have also been reported. Furthermore, visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, have been noted, particularly during the initiation of therapy. Lastly, postmarketing reports have included cases of pancreatitis.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should inform patients about the critical importance of adhering to dietary instructions, maintaining a regular exercise program, and consistently testing their blood glucose levels. Emphasizing these aspects can significantly enhance the management of their condition.

Patients should be made aware of the potential side effects associated with glimepiride, particularly the risks of hypoglycemia and weight gain. It is essential to explain the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, sweating, and confusion, and to discuss appropriate treatment options, including the consumption of fast-acting carbohydrates. Additionally, healthcare providers should highlight the conditions that may predispose patients to hypoglycemia, ensuring they understand the factors that could increase their risk.

It is important to advise patients that hypoglycemia may impair their ability to concentrate and react, which can pose risks in situations requiring full attention, such as driving or operating machinery. Patients should be encouraged to take precautions in these scenarios.

Furthermore, patients with diabetes should be advised to communicate with their healthcare provider if they are pregnant, contemplating pregnancy, breastfeeding, or considering breastfeeding. This information is vital for ensuring safe and effective management of their diabetes during these significant life stages.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in well-closed containers equipped with safety closures. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20°-25°C (68°-77°F), in accordance with USP Controlled Room Temperature guidelines. Proper handling and storage conditions are essential to maintain the integrity of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should be educated on the recognition and management of hypoglycemia while being informed about the potential risks and benefits of glimepiride, as well as alternative treatment options.

Postmarketing experience has revealed reports of hypersensitivity reactions associated with glimepiride, including serious conditions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Additionally, there have been instances of hemolytic anemia in patients treated with glimepiride who did not have a prior diagnosis of G6PD deficiency.

FDA Insert (PDF)

This document is the official FDA-approved prescribing information for Glimepiride as submitted by Aidarex Pharmaceuticals LLC. It includes detailed information about indications, dosage, contraindications, warnings, and clinical pharmacology.

View full prescribing information (PDF)