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Amaryl is a drug used when adherence to diet, physical activity and weight reduction are not sufficient in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The product is an oral drug that lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating the release of insulin. What is the composition of Amaryl and what is its effect and what can it cause unwanted symptoms?
The chemical composition of the medicinal product Amaryl
Amaryl is an orally administered drug for diabetes from the sulphonylurea group of diabetics. The main active substance is glimepiride, which is present in a concentration from 1 mg to 4 mg in one tablet and depends on the dose indicated on the box of the drug. Additional substances included in the chemical composition of Amaryl are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl starch, stearic magnesium and povidone 25. Depending on the dose of tablets, dyes can also be found in Amaryl. In the case of a 000 mg tablet, these are: iron oxide red, in a 1 mg tablet, iron oxide yellow and indigo carmine aluminum lake. The 2 mg tablet contains the yellow iron oxide dye, while the 3 mg tablet contains the indigo carmine dye. Amaryl is sold in the form of oblong tablets with grooves on both sides. The color of the drug varies depending on the dose, i.e. 4 mg of amaryl is pink, 1 mg is green, 2 mg is light yellow and 3 mg is light blue.
Amaryl dosing and effect
Amaryl is a medicinal product that is used in people suffering from type 2 diabetes, when a healthy, active lifestyle and an appropriate diet do not help to control blood glucose levels. Amaryl improves the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells and improves their response to elevated blood sugar levels. Amaryl should be used according to the doctor’s prescription, as stated in the package leaflet, or after consulting the pharmacist. Amaryl is taken orally before or with the first meal of the day. The Amaryl tablet is swallowed whole with plenty of water. The dosage of Amaryl depends on the patient’s health and the level of glucose in blood and urine. In the initial phase of taking the drug, 1 tablet is used, i.e. 1 mg of Amaryl per day, unless the doctor increases the dose based on the patient’s results. The maximum dose a person can take per day is 6 mg of Amaryl. Under no circumstances can you increase the dose of Amaryl yourself without consulting your doctor, even if the patient experiences an undesirable effect of the drug. It is very important to inform your doctor if you are taking other medications, as some medications combined with taking Amaryl may weaken or increase the effect of this drug on blood glucose levels.
Side effects that may occur with the use of Amaryl
Alcohol should be avoided while taking Amaryl, as it may increase or decrease the effect of the drug. This product should also not be used by pregnant women and breastfeeding women. The use of the drug may have a negative effect on the ability to concentrate or react quickly. Amaryl overdose is very dangerous for the patient as it may cause hypoglycaemia. Side effects associated with taking Amaryl are mainly the appearance of an allergic reaction, which is associated with dyspnea, drop in blood pressure or shock. Another side effect that may occur is liver dysfunction which makes the skin and eyes turn yellow. The most serious side effect is severe hypoglycaemia with symptoms such as loss of consciousness, a seizure or even coma. It is very important to consult a doctor as soon as possible in the event of any undesirable symptoms.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.