Dieta 2 mg

Description

Indications

Dieta tablets are prescribed in the following conditions:

• As an adjunct to diet and exercise to help lower blood glucose levels in individuals with non-insulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) when diet and exercise alone are insufficient for glycemic control.
• In combination with metformin when either Dieta or metformin alone, along with diet and exercise, does not provide adequate glycemic control.
• In combination with insulin for patients whose hyperglycemia is not adequately managed with diet, exercise, and an oral hypoglycemic agent.
• When used with insulin, there may be an increased risk of hypoglycemia.

(Take medication only as prescribed by a registered physician.)

Pharmacology Glimepiride, a sulfonylurea class antidiabetic agent, helps lower blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin release from functional pancreatic beta cells. It enhances the sensitivity of beta cells to glucose, thereby promoting insulin secretion. Additionally, Glimepiride reduces basal hepatic glucose production and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. In non-fasting diabetic patients, a single dose of Glimepiride has a hypoglycemic effect lasting up to 24 hours.

Dosage The dosage of Glimepiride is determined based on the desired blood glucose level. The lowest effective dose should be used to maintain metabolic control. Regular monitoring of blood and urine glucose levels is necessary to adjust the dose appropriately.

• Initial Dose and Titration: The typical starting dose is 1 mg once daily. If needed, the dose may be increased gradually, with adjustments made at 1 to 2-week intervals as follows: 1 mg → 2 mg → 3 mg → 4 mg → 6 mg daily.
• Maintenance Dose: Most patients achieve good glycemic control with a daily dose of 1 to 4 mg.
• Administration: Usually, a single daily dose is sufficient. It should be taken immediately before a substantial breakfast or, if skipped, before the first main meal of the day. Skipping meals after taking the medication can lead to hypoglycemia.
• Dose Adjustments: As diabetes control improves, insulin sensitivity may increase, requiring a dose reduction to prevent hypoglycemia. Dose modifications may also be necessary due to changes in weight, lifestyle, or other factors affecting blood glucose levels.
• Switching from Other Oral Antidiabetics: There is no fixed dosage equivalence between Glimepiride and other oral hypoglycemic agents. When switching to Glimepiride, the starting dose should be 1 mg daily, even if the previous medication was at its maximum dose. Careful monitoring is required to prevent hypoglycemia.

(Take medication only as prescribed by a registered physician.)

Administration Glimepiride tablets should be swallowed with a sufficient amount of liquid.

(Take medication only as prescribed by a registered physician.)

Drug Interactions Certain medications can enhance or reduce the hypoglycemic effect of Dieta.

• Medications that may enhance hypoglycemia: ACE inhibitors, anabolic steroids, fluconazole, fibrates, MAO inhibitors, fluoxetine, chloramphenicol, sulfonamide antibiotics, tetracyclines, and coumarin derivatives.
• Medications that may reduce hypoglycemia: Corticosteroids, barbiturates, diuretics, rifampicin, phenothiazines, thyroid hormones, and sympathomimetic agents.
• Variable effects on blood glucose levels: Beta-blockers, clonidine, H2 receptor antagonists, and reserpine can either enhance or weaken the glucose-lowering effect.
• Alcohol Interaction: Both acute and chronic alcohol intake may unpredictably alter the effects of Glimepiride, potentially causing severe hypoglycemia or reduced efficacy.

Contraindications Glimepiride should not be used in the following cases:

• Type I diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent diabetes)
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Diabetic coma
• Known hypersensitivity to Glimepiride, other sulfonylureas, or sulfonamides
• Severe liver dysfunction
• Severe renal impairment or dialysis-dependent patients

Side Effects Possible adverse effects include:

• Hypoglycemia
• Temporary visual disturbances
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
• Skin reactions such as urticaria (hives)
• Low blood pressure

Pregnancy & Lactation Glimepiride should not be used during pregnancy. Patients planning pregnancy should switch to insulin therapy. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid Glimepiride, as it may pass into breast milk and affect the infant. Either insulin therapy should be used, or breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Precautions & Warnings

• The risk of hypoglycemia is higher during the initial weeks of treatment, necessitating close monitoring.
• If hypoglycemia occurs, it can typically be managed by consuming carbohydrates (glucose or sugar).

Overdose Effects An overdose of Glimepiride can result in severe hypoglycemia, requiring immediate medical attention.

• Mild hypoglycemia should be managed with oral glucose and dietary adjustments.
• Severe cases, including coma or seizures, require emergency hospitalization and intravenous glucose administration.
• Continuous monitoring is necessary for at least 24 to 48 hours to prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia.

Therapeutic Class Sulfonylurea class of antidiabetic agents.

Storage Conditions

• Store at a temperature below 30°C.
• Keep away from direct light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.