Glimepiride
(Redirected from Amaryl)
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Amaryl |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antidiabetic |
| Pharmacologic class | Second-generation sulfonylurea |
| Onset / peak / duration | Onset 1 hour; duration about 24 hours. |
| Half-life / level | Half-life 5 to 9 hours; no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral) |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | Yes (see Safety) |
| Antidote / reversal | Glucose or glucagon. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Generally avoided. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Glimepiride (brand name Amaryl) — Antidiabetic; Second-generation sulfonylurea.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antidiabetic.
- Pharmacologic class: Second-generation sulfonylurea.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Stimulates insulin secretion from beta cells.
- Onset / peak / duration: Onset 1 hour; duration about 24 hours.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 5 to 9 hours; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Type 2 diabetes.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: 1 to 4 mg PO once daily with breakfast.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Max 8 mg/day; start low in renal impairment and elderly.
Safety
- Contraindications: Type 1 diabetes, ketoacidosis, sulfonamide hypersensitivity.
- Black box warning: Sulfonylurea class cardiovascular mortality caution (older labeling).
- Interactions: Same as glipizide.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Generally avoided.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain, dizziness.
- Serious effects to report: Severe hypoglycemia.
- Antidote / reversal: Glucose or glucagon.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Blood glucose, renal and hepatic function.
- Interventions during therapy: Give with first main meal; teach hypoglycemia signs.
- Monitor: Blood glucose, A1c.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Glycemic control.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Take with breakfast; do not skip meals.
- Notify provider if: Frequent lows.
- Administration tips: With the first meal of the day.