Amaryl (glimeperide) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. This particular type of diabetes is non-insulin dependent. This means that your body produces insulin to lower your blood sugar levels, but your body doesn't respond to it. According to MedlinePlus, Amaryl induces your pancreas to make more insulin and it helps your body to respond to it. The initial starting dose of Amaryl is 1 to 2 mg once a day. The National Library of Medicine indicates that there is no fixed dose and your doctor will determine its final dose based upon your blood glucose levels.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Amaryl's common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Diarrhea and vomiting both result in bodily fluid loss. This can lead to dehydration and hypokalemia. Physical manifestations of dehydration include infrequent urination, dry lips and dry skin. Drink six to ten cups of water daily to replace your fluid loss. Symptoms of hypokalemia include constipation and muscle weakness or spasms. Include bananas and apricots in your diet to help raise your potassium levels. Amaryl can also cause a skin rash, itching, stomach pains and a headache.
In a placebo-controlled study of 746 patients taking Amaryl, the National Library of Medicine found that 1.7 percent developed dizziness, 1.6 percent developed physical weakness, 1.5 percent developed a headache and 1.1 percent experienced nausea.
Serious Side Effects
MedlinePlus indicates that Amaryl may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels). Physical manifestations of hypoglycemia include dizziness, nervousness, irritability, a headache and sweating. It can also cause peri-oral (around the mouth) numbness and tingling, hunger and a change in your behavior. Keep sugar-containing foods such as a candy bar with you at all times. Simply eating this can rapidly bring your glucose levels back to normal. Potentially life-threatening side effects such as seizures and loss of consciousness can result if hypoglycemia is left untreated. Seizures are physical manifestations of the jumbled electrical activity in your brain. Seizures that remain for more than 30 minutes can result in brain damage and possibly death.
Amaryl can also cause hyperglycemia if inadequate amounts are taken. Manifestations of hyperglycemia include extreme hunger and thirst, frequent urination and blurry vision, says MedlinePlus. Your doctor can give you intravenous medications to rapidly lower your blood glucose levels. A potentially fatal condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can result when hyperglycemia is untreated. In DKA, your body begins to break down fat as a source of energy since it cannot utilize the glucose that accumulates in your blood. Fat breakdown leads to the presence of ketones. Excess amounts of ketones leads to the following symptoms: dry mouth, reduced consciousness, fruity breath, trouble breathing and vomiting or stomach pain. Call 911 when you have these symptoms.
Additional Concerns
Prior to taking Amaryl, inform your doctor if you have heart, liver or kidney disease, a sulfa drug allergy and adrenal or pituitary gland problems. You may not be able to take Amaryl or your doctor may have to adjust its dose. Avoid combining Amaryl with alcohol as it can provoke hypoglycemia. Avoid taking Amaryl with fluoxetine or probenicid, as it can increase your chances of developing hypoglycemia. Amaryl combined with steroid and seizure medications can increase your risk for developing hyperglycemia.
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