Description
Glimepiride and Metformin Hydrochloride Prolonged Release Tablets – GLIMEPIRIDE+METFORMIN belongs to a group of medicines called antidiabetic medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes, especially in patients whose blood sugar cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (long-term) disease that affects how our body processes glucose. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced cannot do its job in the body (insulin resistance).
Mechanism of Glimepiride and Metformin Hydrochloride Prolonged Release Tablets
GLIMEPIRIDE+METFORMIN is a combination of two diabetes drugs, glimepiride and metformin. Glimepiride works by stimulating insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Thus, insulin helps remove sugar from the blood. Metformin is a depot preparation that releases the drug in smaller doses over a longer period. Metformin reduces the production of sugar by liver cells and slows the absorption of sugar from the intestine. In addition, it increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin, which allows these cells to remove sugar from the blood more efficiently.
Benefits Of Glimepiride and Metformin Hydrochloride Prolonged Release Tablets
Glimepiride and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are usually prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Here’s how each component works and what they’re used for:
- Glimepiride: This belongs to a class of medications known as sulfonylureas. It works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels. Glimepiride is effective in controlling blood sugar levels after meals.
- Metformin Hydrochloride: This is a biguanide medication that works primarily by decreasing the production of glucose in the liver and improving the body’s response to insulin. It also helps the body to use insulin more effectively, which can lead to lower blood sugar levels.
When combined in a single tablet with a prolonged-release formulation, these medications offer the following benefits:
- Better Blood Sugar Control: The combination of glimepiride and metformin helps in controlling blood sugar, especially after meals and fasting.
- Reduced Risk of Hypoglycemia: The prolonged-release formulation helps in reducing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) compared to immediate-release formulations, as it provides a more sustained release of the medications.
- Improved Medication Adherence: Taking one tablet simplifies the medication regimen for individuals with type 2 diabetes, potentially improving treatment adherence.
- Prevention of Long-term Complications: By controlling blood sugar levels effectively, these medications help in reducing the risk of long-term complications associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, and nerve damage.
Side Effects
It’s important to note that the use of glimepiride and metformin hydrochloride prolonged-release tablets should be as per the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Metallic taste
