How should I take Glimepiride?

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended starting dose is 1 or 2 mg once daily. Increase in 1 or 2 mg increments no more frequently than every 1 to 2 weeks based on glycemic response. Maximum recommended dose is 8 mg once daily ( 2.1 ). Administer with breakfast or first meal of the day ( 2.1 ). Use 1 mg starting dose and titrate slowly in patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia (e.g., elderly, patients with renal impairment) ( 2.1 ). 2.1 Recommended Dosing Glimepiride tablets should be administered with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. The recommended starting dose of glimepiride tablets are 1 mg or 2 mg once daily. Patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia (e.g., the elderly or patients with renal impairment) should be started on 1 mg once daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6) ]. After reaching a daily dose of 2 mg, further dose increases can be made in increments of 1 mg or 2 mg based upon the patient’s glycemic response. Uptitration should not occur more frequently than every 1 to 2 weeks. A conservative titration scheme is recommended for patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (

What are the common side effects?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hemolytic anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions with glimepiride were hypoglycemia, dizziness, asthenia, headache, and nausea., Common adverse reactions in clinical trials (≥5% and more common than with placebo) include hypoglycemia, headache, nausea, and dizziness ( 6.1 )., To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr., Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc., at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch ., 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice..

Who should not take Glimepiride?

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Glimepiride tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to: Glimepiride or any of the product’s ingredients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].; Sulfonamide derivatives: Patients who have developed an allergic reaction to sulfonamide derivatives may develop an allergic reaction to glimepiride.; Do not use glimepiride in patients who have a history of an allergic reaction to sulfonamide derivatives.; Hypersensitivity to glimepiride or any of the product’s ingredients ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to sulfonamide derivatives ( 4 ).

Can I take Glimepiride during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from a small number of published studies and postmarketing experience with glimepiride use in pregnancy over decades have not identified any drug associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal outcomes. However, sulfonylureas (including glimepiride) cross the placenta and have been associated with neonatal adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia. Therefore, glimepiride tablets should be discontinued at least two weeks before expected delivery (see Clinical Considerations). Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy is also associated with risks to the mother and fetus (see Clinical Considerations). In animal studies (see Data), there were no effects on embryo-fetal development following administration of glimepiride to pregnant rats and rabbits at oral doses approximately 4,000 times and 60 times the maximum human dose based on body surface area, respectively. However, fetotoxicity was observed in rats and rabbits at doses 50 times and 0.1 times the maximum human dose, respectively. The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6% to 10% in women with pregestational diabetes with a HbA 1c >7% and has been r

Can children take Glimepiride?

8.4 Pediatric Use The pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of glimepiride have been evaluated in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes as described below. Glimepiride tablets are not recommended in pediatric patients because of its adverse effects on body weight and hypoglycemia. The pharmacokinetics of a 1 mg single dose of glimepiride was evaluated in 30 patients with type 2 diabetes (male = 7; female = 23) between ages 10 and 17 years. The mean (± SD) AUC (0-last) (339±203 ng•hr/mL), C max (102±48 ng/mL) and t 1/2 (3.1±1.7 hours) for glimepiride were comparable to historical data from adults (AUC (0-last) 315±96 ng•hr/mL, C max 103±34 ng/mL and t 1/2 5.3±4.1 hours). The safety and efficacy of glimepiride in pediatric patients was evaluated in a single-blind, 24-week trial that randomized 272 patients (8 to 17 years of age) with type 2 diabetes to glimepiride (n=135) or metformin (n=137). Both treatment-naïve patients (those treated with only diet and exercise for at least 2 weeks prior to randomization) and previously treated patients (those previously treated or currently treated with other oral antidiabetic medications for at least 3 months) were eligible to participate. Pa

Does Glimepiride interact with other medicines?

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Certain medications may affect glucose metabolism, requiring glimepiride tablets dose adjustment and close monitoring of blood glucose ( 7.1 ).; Miconazole: Severe hypoglycemia can occur when glimepiride and oral miconazole are used concomitantly.; ( 7.2 ).; Cytochrome P450 2C9 interactions: Inhibitors and inducers of cytochrome P450 2C9 may affect glycemic control by altering glimepiride plasma concentrations ( 7.3 ).; Colesevelam: Coadministration may reduce glimepiride absorption.; Glimepiride should be administered at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam ( 2.1 , 7.4 )..

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Glimepiride

Illustration of the usual dosage form, not a product photo.

Chemical structure · PubChem CID 3476

SulfonylureaPrescription only (Schedule H)On NLEM 2022NPPA price ceilingJan Aushadhi listed

Glimepiride

ग्लिमेपिराइड

Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea medicine used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. In India it is a prescription medicine. Its main risk is low blood sugar, which can be severe. It is not for type 1 diabetes.

Generic name: Glimepiride
Used for: Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, as an add-on to diet and exercise (per the US label)
Label used: Tablet label, oral, DailyMed set fc9d8495, effective 2026-06
Prescription status (India): Prescription only (Schedule H)
On NLEM 2022: Yes
NPPA price ceiling: Yes (scheduled formulation)

More facts

Jan Aushadhi: Listed
Banned combinations: Appears in 7 entries of the banned combination list we checked

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Compiled from official drug labels and Indian government sources. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice.

Safety at a glance

AlcoholCaution in label textSee wording
PregnancyCaution in label textSee wording
BreastfeedingNot mentioned in label text
DrivingCaution in label textSee wording
KidneyCaution in label textSee wording
LiverCaution in label textSee wording

Taken only from the label text cited on this page. "Not mentioned" does not mean safe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is glimepiride used for?

The US label lists glimepiride tablets as an add-on to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

It says glimepiride should not be used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, because it would not work in those settings.

Type 2 diabetes in adults, with diet and exercise

Source1

How does glimepiride work?

The label says glimepiride lowers blood sugar mainly by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin.

Sulfonylureas bind to a receptor on pancreatic beta cells and close a potassium channel, which triggers insulin release.

Source1

How is glimepiride taken? Dosage information

The dosing below is for glimepiride tablets, an adult oral tablet label from the US.

The US label for adults says the starting dose is 1 mg or 2 mg once daily, with breakfast or the first main meal.

It says the dose can be raised in 1 mg or 2 mg steps, no more often than every 1 to 2 weeks, based on blood sugar response. The ceiling in the label is 8 mg once daily.

People at higher risk of low blood sugar, such as older adults and people with kidney impairment, are started at 1 mg once daily and raised slowly.

The label says to give glimepiride at least 4 hours before colesevelam.

Indian pack labels may differ from the US label. Your prescriber's instruction always comes first. Do not change the dose yourself.

Source1

What are the side effects of glimepiride?

Common

The label lists hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), headache, nausea and dizziness as the most common effects in trials.
Weakness and weight gain are listed too.
Common: low blood sugar, headache, nausea, dizziness
Common: weakness, weight gain

Serious: get help

Serious risks include severe low blood sugar, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and haemolytic anaemia in people with G6PD deficiency.
Serious: severe low blood sugar with confusion, fits or unconsciousness
Serious: allergic reaction, swelling or severe skin reaction
Serious: haemolytic anaemia in G6PD deficiency

Source1

Who should be careful with glimepiride?

The label warns that all sulfonylureas can cause severe low blood sugar, which may impair concentration and reactions, for example when driving.

Older adults and people with kidney impairment are more prone to low blood sugar, which may be hard to recognise in the elderly.

It is contraindicated if you have had an allergic reaction to glimepiride or to sulfonamide derivatives.

The label notes possible haemolytic anaemia if you have G6PD deficiency.

Pregnancy: glimepiride crosses the placenta and can cause low blood sugar in newborns. The label says to stop it at least 2 weeks before expected delivery, as decided by your doctor.

The label says glimepiride is not recommended in children because of its effect on weight and low blood sugar.

Older adults and kidney impairment: low blood sugar
Allergy to sulfonamide medicines
G6PD deficiency
Pregnancy: newborn low blood sugar
Children: not recommended
Driving when blood sugar may be low

Source1

What interacts with glimepiride?

Search interactions

Insulin and other diabetes medicines: low blood sugar
Oral miconazole: severe low blood sugar
Fluconazole, rifampin: CYP2C9 effects
Colesevelam: take glimepiride at least 4 hours before
Beta-blockers: may mask low blood sugar signs
Alcohol: unpredictable effect
The label says many medicines can push blood sugar lower, including insulin, other diabetes tablets, ACE inhibitors, fibrates, fluconazole, quinolones, tetracyclines, NSAIDs and salicylates.
Oral miconazole can cause severe low blood sugar.
Medicines that inhibit or induce CYP2C9, such as fluconazole or rifampin, may change glimepiride levels.
Other medicines, including corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, estrogens and thyroid hormones, may weaken the glucose-lowering effect.
Beta-blockers may hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.
Alcohol may strengthen or weaken the effect unpredictably.

Source1

How should glimepiride be stored? Overdose information

The label says to store tablets at 20 to 25 degrees C in well-closed containers.

Overdose information: an overdose can cause severe low blood sugar. Mild episodes are treated with oral glucose, while severe episodes are medical emergencies needing immediate treatment. Seek emergency care.

Keep medicines out of reach of children.

Source1

Legal status in India: schedule, NLEM, price control and Jan Aushadhi

In the Drugs Rules schedules we checked, Glimepiride is listed under Schedule H (Schedule H, serial 228 (rules 65 and 97)). It is sold on prescription.

The National List of Essential Medicines 2022 lists Glimepiride in these forms: Tablet 1 mg; Tablet 2 mg.

NPPA ceiling prices exist for some Glimepiride formulations. The table in the price section shows each row we found.

The Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) product list we checked has 5 entries that name Glimepiride. Availability at a Kendra can change.

Glimepiride appears in 7 entries of the banned combination list we checked, so check any combination product with the banned medicine checker.

Jan Aushadhi: Glimepiride Tablets IP 1mg, pack 10's (row p6:sno122)
Jan Aushadhi: Glimepiride Tablets IP 2mg, pack 10's (row p6:sno123)
Jan Aushadhi: Glimepiride Tablets IP 3mg, pack 10's (row p24:sno534)
Jan Aushadhi: Glimepiride Tablets IP 4mg, pack 10's (row p24:sno535)
Jan Aushadhi: Glimepiride IP 0.5mg Tablets, pack 10's (row p63:sno1398)

Source2 3 4 5

Price ceilings and Jan Aushadhi for Glimepiride

NPPA sets a ceiling price per unit for scheduled formulations. The table shows every Glimepiride row we found.

A ceiling is the most a seller may charge per unit for that formulation. Actual prices are often lower. Check the pack and seller.

Some rows appear under more than one NPPA category or date. Ask the pharmacist which row applies to your pack.

Jan Aushadhi lists 5 products that name Glimepiride. Compare the form, strength and pack size with your prescription before switching, and ask your doctor or pharmacist.

We do not show brand prices because they change often and we have not verified them.

Formulation	Strength	Unit	Ceiling price per unit	NPPA list (as on)
Tablet	2mg	1 Tablet	Rs 5.94	Anti-diabetes (As on March, 2026)
Tablet	1mg	1 Tablet	Rs 3.78	Anti-diabetes (As on March, 2026)
Tablet	1 mg	1 Tablet	Rs 3.58	All scheduled (NLEM 2015) (As on 30.09.2020)
Tablet	2 mg	1 Tablet	Rs 5.69	All scheduled (NLEM 2015) (As on 30.09.2020)

Source4 5

Frequently asked questions

Can I take glimepiride with alcohol?

The label says alcohol, acute or long term, may strengthen or weaken the glucose-lowering effect unpredictably. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Source1

When should I take glimepiride?

The US label says to take it with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Follow your prescriber's instructions.

Source1

What happens if I miss a meal on glimepiride?

The label sections we reviewed do not describe missed meals, but low blood sugar is its main risk. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do.

Source1

Is glimepiride used for type 1 diabetes?

No. The label says it should not be used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Source1

Can I take glimepiride in pregnancy?

The label says it can cause low blood sugar in newborns and should be stopped at least 2 weeks before expected delivery. Your doctor decides what is right for you.

Source1

Sources

1U.S. FDA-approved label (DailyMed) (fc9d8495-184c-3af1-e053-6394a90a5e29) Open source · 2026-10-15
2Drugs Rules 1945, Schedules (2022 consolidation) (Schedule H, serial 228 (rules 65 and 97)) Open source · 2026-10-15
3National List of Essential Medicines 2022 (page 96) Open source · 2026-10-15
4NPPA ceiling price lists (All scheduled (NLEM 2015), page 9; Anti-diabetes, page 2) Open source · 2026-10-15
5PMBJP (Jan Aushadhi) product list (rows p6:sno122, p6:sno123, p24:sno534, p24:sno535, p63:sno1…) Open source · 2026-10-15

Compiled by software from the sources above and checked by automated rules. Last checked: 2026-10-15 · How we use sources · Report a correction

This information is educational and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. It does not tell you what dose you personally should take. In an emergency call 112.

Safety at a glance

What is glimepiride used for?

How does glimepiride work?

How is glimepiride taken? Dosage information

What are the side effects of glimepiride?

Common

Serious: get help

Who should be careful with glimepiride?

What interacts with glimepiride?

How should glimepiride be stored? Overdose information

Legal status in India: schedule, NLEM, price control and Jan Aushadhi

Price ceilings and Jan Aushadhi for Glimepiride

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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