Amaryl Side Effects

Generic name: glimepiride

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 20, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Amaryl Side Effects associated with glimepiride. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Amaryl.

Applies to glimepiride: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

It is very important to follow carefully any instructions from your health care team about:

• Alcohol—Drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar. Discuss this with your health care team.
• Counseling—Other family members need to learn how to prevent side effects or help with side effects if they occur. Also, patients with diabetes may need special counseling about diabetes medicine dosing changes that might occur because of lifestyle changes, such as changes in exercise and diet. Furthermore, counseling on contraception and pregnancy may be needed because of the problems that can occur in patients with diabetes during pregnancy.
• Travel—Keep your recent prescription and your medical history with you. Be prepared for an emergency as you would normally. Make allowances for changing time zones and keep your meal times as close as possible to your usual meal times.
• In case of emergency—There may be a time when you need emergency help for a problem caused by your diabetes. You need to be prepared for these emergencies. It is a good idea to wear a medical identification (ID) bracelet or neck chain at all times. Also, carry an ID card in your wallet or purse that says you have diabetes and a list of all of your medicines.

Check with your doctor right away if you start having chest pain or discomfort; nausea; pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck; shortness of breath; sweating; or vomiting while you are using this medicine. These may be symptoms of a serious heart problem, including a heart attack.

Too much glimepiride (the active ingredient contained in Amaryl) can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when it is used under certain conditions. Symptoms of low blood sugar must be treated before they lead to unconsciousness (passing out). Different people may feel different symptoms of low blood sugar. It is important that you learn which symptoms of low blood sugar you usually have so that you can treat it quickly and call someone on your health care team right away when you need advice.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include anxiety; behavior change similar to being drunk; blurred vision; cold sweats; confusion; cool, pale skin; difficulty in thinking; drowsiness; excessive hunger; fast heartbeat; headache (continuing); nausea; nervousness; nightmares; restless sleep; shakiness; slurred speech; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

If symptoms of low blood sugar occur, eat glucose tablets or gel, corn syrup, honey, or sugar cubes; or drink fruit juice, non-diet soft drink, or sugar dissolved in water. Also, check your blood for low blood sugar. Glucagon is used in emergency situations when severe symptoms such as seizures (convulsions) or unconsciousness occur. Have a glucagon kit available, along with a syringe or needle, and know how to use it. Members of your household also should know how to use it.

This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do other jobs that require you to be alert or able to think well.

This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. These conditions may be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have a blistering, peeling, or red skin rash; itching; a large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs; trouble with breathing; or chest tightness while you are using this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Amaryl

Some side effects of glimepiride may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Amaryl

Along with its needed effects, glimepiride may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking glimepiride:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking glimepiride:

Symptoms of overdose

• anxiety
• blurred vision
• cold sweats
• cool, pale skin
• increased hunger
• nightmares
• shakiness
• slurred speech

For healthcare professionals

Applies to glimepiride: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse events included hypoglycemia, headache, nausea, asthenia, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypoglycemia (up to 19.7%)
• Frequency not reported: Weight gain
• Postmarketing reports: Hyponatremia, SIADH^[Ref]

Hyponatremia and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) occurred in mostly in patients who were on other medications or who had medical conditions known to cause hyponatremia or increased release of antidiuretic hormone.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, granulocytopenia, erythropenia, aplastic anemia, pancytopenia
• Postmarketing reports: Hemolytic anemia in patients without G6PD deficiency, thrombocytopenia purpura^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic reactions such as pruritus, erythema, urticaria, a morbilliform or maculopapular eruptions
• Frequency not reported: Cutaneous eruptions with or without pruritus, cross-allergenicity with sulfonylureas, sulfonamides, or related substances
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, dyspnea^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Transient visual disturbances^[Ref]

Temporary visual impairment due to changes in blood glucose levels may occur due to temporary alteration in the turgidity and hence the refractive index of the lens which is dependent on blood glucose levels.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included pruritus, erythema, urticaria, and morbilliform or maculopapular rashes in less than 1% of cases. Sulfonylureas have caused porphyria cutanea tarda and photosensitivity reactions.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, sensations of pressure or fullness in the epigastrium^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Elevated ALT
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatic function abnormal, hepatitis, hepatic failure
• Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis and liver impairment, e.g. with cholestasis and jaundice, hepatic porphyria reactions and disulfiram-like reactions^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Flu syndrome
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Leukocytoclastic vasculitis^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, accidental injury^[Ref]

Accidental injury was reported more frequently in patients receiving this drug (5.4% vs 3.4%). There was insufficient information available to determine if these events were associated with hypoglycemia.^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Amaryl side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer