Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S

About 

Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S belongs to a class of drugs called “hypoglycemics” (anti-diabetics, sulfonylureas) that are used to treat and prevent the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non insulin-dependent diabetes, is a condition resulting from a combination of insulin resistance, i.e, body cells failing to respond properly to the insulin produced, inadequate insulin secretion, and excessive production of glucagon. Progression of the disease may lead to insulin deficiency. This causes hyperglycemia. (high blood sugar levels)

This medicine is available in tablet form on prescription. It is prescribed to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin (hormone controlling blood sugar levels) production by the pancreas.

Dosage of Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S depends on age, severity of condition, patient's response to medicine and their comorbidities.

Common side effects of this medication are nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, headache and dizziness.

Indications

Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age. It is not advised to give to children.

It is used in the treatment of 

• Type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar levels) - as an adjunctive therapy to diet and exercise

 

How does Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S work?

It is an anti-diabetic medication that works by increasing insulin (a natural substance required in breaking down sugar) production by the pancreas and the ability of the body to utilise it effectively.

 

How to use Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S?

It is better to take the medication with a meal to avoid side effects. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. 

 

Dosage 

Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S comes as 1mg, 2mg, 3mg and 4mg tablets. Starting dose is usually 1mg, taken once a day, recommended to be taken with your first meal of the day and make sure to have it around the same time everyday.

It is then gradually increased over a period of weeks or months (to avoid hypoglycemia - low blood sugar levels) upto an optimal dose of 4mg/day. Maximum daily dosage that can be given is 6mg.

Dosage is completely dependent on the age, severity of condition, patient's response to medicine and their comorbidities. Your doctor may vary your dosage to regulate your blood sugar levels.

 

Pregnancy use and lactation

Use of Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding so that they can prescribe you a medicine accordingly without causing any complications for you or your baby.

 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (condition in which your body does not produce insulin) 
• Pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to the product or other sulfonylureas or sulfonamides.
• Hepatic (liver) porphyria
• Kidney disease (for example if you are on dialysis)
• G6PD (glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency - an inherited condition affecting red blood cells leading to hemolytic anemia.
• About to have surgery 
• Alcoholism
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (abnormally fast breakdown of fat)
• Diabetic coma (life-threatening condition causing unconsciousness)

 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S:

• Pregnancy and lactation
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) - can be prevented by monitoring sugar levels in blood and urine, regularly. Signs indicating hypoglycemia are: blurred vision, confusion, anxiety, cool, pale skin, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heart beat, headache, nausea, anxiety and overall tiredness and weakness. Usually experienced by patients with autonomic neuropathy (damage of nerves controlling involuntary body functions) taking beta blockers, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine or other sympatholytic drugs
• Liver disease (like hepatitis)
• Kidney impairment 
• Stress in situations like trauma, surgery - doctor might switch over to insulin in this case
• Weight gain
• Adrenocortical insufficiency (condition characterised by inability of adrenal glands to produce adequate steroid hormones)
• Elderly
• Alcohol intake
• Heart problem (indicated by signs like, chest pain, breathing difficulty, pain in arms, neck and back, sweating and vomiting)
• Allergic reactions (indicated by skin rash, swelling around face area, wheezing, chest tightness and breathing difficulty)

 

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S, hence, in that case your doctor might alter your dosage and make sure to monitor blood sugar levels more closely.

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S:

• Insulin or other anti - diabetics
• Steroid tablets - e.g prednisolone
• Anti - tuberculosis drug - e.g rifampicin
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure and other heart problems
• Allopurinol
• Probenecid
• Quinolones
• Salicylates
• Sulfonamides
• Tetracyclines
• Trofosfamide
• Acetazolamide
• Barbiturates
• Corticosteroids
• Diazoxide
• Diuretics
• Epinephrine and other sympathomimetic agents
• Glucagon
• Laxatives
• Nicotinic acid (in high doses)
• Oestrogens
• Phenothiazines
• Phenytoin
• Thyroid hormones
• H2-receptor antagonists
• Clonidine
• Reserpine
• NSAIDs - e.g phenylbutazone
• Anticoagulants 
• MAOIs
• Beta blockers
• Anti bacterials - e.g chloramphenicol, clarithromycin
• Disopyramide
• Fibrates
• Azole antifungals
• Cyclophosphamide
• Pentoxifylline 
• Colesevelam
• Alcohol intake
• Male sex hormones

 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S has some side effects which include:

Common:

• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Dizziness

Serious:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) indicated by feeling hungry, trembling or shaking, sweating, confusion and difficulty concentrating
• Anaphylaxis (allergic) reactions - difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or tongue, hives, or difficulty swallowing
• Liver damage (hepatitis)
• Blood dyscrasias (blood disorder)
• Haemolytic anemia (low red blood cells because of rapid destruction)
• Thrombocytopenia (abnormally low levels of platelets)
• Transient visual disturbances
• Skin rash or itching - skin disease

 

How to cope with some of the adverse effects

• Nausea (feeling sick) - Take Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S with meals and avoid having spicy food

• Vomiting and Diarrhoea - Keep yourself hydrated by having lots of fluids and if the problem persists, consult your doctor before taking any medication for vomiting and diarrhoea

• Headache - Take a painkiller, rest and keep yourself hydrated at all times.

• Dizziness - Try and rest until you feel better and refrain from driving or using any tools or machinery

• Hypoglycemia - Carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects.

 

Key facts about Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S

• Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (condition resulting in elevated levels of sugar in the blood) 
• It is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age.
• It should be avoided in elderly, debilitated and malnourished patients.
• It works by increasing insulin (a natural substance required in breaking down sugar) production by the pancreas and the ability of the body to utilise it effectively.
• Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S is best known to be taken with meals to avoid common side effects  like nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, headache and dizziness
• Some people have shown to gain weight when taking Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S.
• Matter of concern arises when you experience signs like chest pain, breathing difficulties, skin rashes or an allergic reaction and a fall in red blood cell and platelet count. In that case contact your doctor immediately.
• It is important for your doctor to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, along with repeated tests to prevent you from any complications. 
• Patients need to avoid alcohol intake and other anti diabetic medications like insulin, along with maintaining a good diet to prevent hypoglycemic events. 
• Use of Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

FAQs

1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S DO?

People with type 2 diabetes fail to respond properly to the insulin produced,secrete inadequate insulin, or produce excessive glucagon. Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S works by increasing insulin (a natural substance required in breaking down sugar) production by the pancreas and the ability of the body to utilise it effectively.

2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S TO START WORKING?

It takes around 2-3 hours for Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S to start working. Initially, you might not feel that it is effective, but that does not mean you stop taking the medicine thinking it is not working. Make sure to continue taking Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S as directed by your doctor.

3. DOES Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S MAKE YOU FEEL SLEEPY?

Sleepiness is not caused by the medicine itself, but because the Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other anti-diabetics, you may feel sleepy and tired.

4. DOES Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S CAUSE MEMORY LOSS?

It is not known to cause memory loss, but since it is responsible for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) - a known side effect, it can make concentration difficult and results in decreased alertness.

5. DOES Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S AFFECT KIDNEYS?

Since Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S is mainly eliminated by the kidneys, people with severe kidney disease should avoid using this medicine. It does not affect those with normal kidney function and hence, is safe to use for them.

6. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S FOR?

Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S is usually prescribed for long term use, possibly life long. Your dosage and time period is decided by your doctor after knowing the severity of your condition.

7. CAN I STOP TAKING Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S?

This medicine largely controls your blood sugar levels, but does not cure your condition. Hence, do not just stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, otherwise your condition could possibly get worse.

8. IS IT NECESSARY TO TAKE Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S WITH FOOD?

It is advised to take Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S with or after meals to reduce side effects like, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, headache and dizziness.

9. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S?

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are on Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S as it can interfere with your treatment causing low blood sugar levels especially in aged patients and on occasions where you have skipped a meal.

10. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S?

An overdose of Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) indicated by feeling hungry, trembling or shaking, sweating, feeling confused and having problems concentrating. It can also severely affect your kidneys, heart and can possibly cause an allergic reaction. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs.

11. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S?

Incase you miss a dose, take your next dose on time and do not try making up for the missed dose by doubling it up. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose.

12. CAN I TAKE Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

Use of Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding so that they can prescribe you a medicine accordingly without causing any complications for you or your baby.

13. WHAT IF Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S IS NO LONGER WORKING?

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease which means, in the long run, your body might start producing even less insulin than before and its ability to utilise the insulin produced could deteriorate as well. Hence, the dose of Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S is usually increased over time to manage your blood glucose levels. At times, Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S alone might not be effective and in that case your doctor will prescribe a combination of medicines so that your body is more reactive to it.

14. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S?

Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S alone might not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike, but when given in combination with other medicines, it could result in low blood sugar levels resulting in loss of concentration vision impairment (your eyesight is affected). To be on the safe side, always carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

15. HOW SHOULD Amaryl 2mg Tablet 15 'S BE STORED?

Keep the medicine at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Make sure to keep it away from pets, children and other people.