Appropriate Amaryl® dosage depends on the specifics of a patient’s case, age, and other medications a patient may be using. This hypoglycemic medication, known under the generic name of glimepiride, can be used to lower glucose levels in patients with type two diabetes. Patients typically start with a low dose that they gradually increase over several weeks to find the optimal Amaryl® dosage for their needs. The drug is typically combined with lifestyle adjustments to achieve the best effects.
Typical starting doses for otherwise healthy adult patients can range from one to two milligrams daily, given with the first major meal of the day. Patients who have had adverse reactions to hypoglycemic drugs in the past may take a one milligram dosage. If there are liver or kidney concerns, the care provider may also recommend starting with the lower Amaryl® dosage for safety. Pediatric patients may need a weight-dependent dosage to avoid hypoglycemia.
As the patient adjusts to the medication, the Amaryl® dosage can be slowly increased. Regular glucose checks are needed to see how well the patient responds. If glucose levels stay stable, the dosage may remain the same. If they drop, the patient may be taking too much, and if they rise, the medication is not adequately controlling blood sugar.
It can require several weeks of dosage adjustments to find the right one for each individual patient. During this period, the patient may feel unwell while getting used to the medication as his or her body begins to adjust. The maximum recommended dose is 8 milligrams (mg) per day.
Sometimes patients don’t respond well to Amaryl®. It may be combined with other medications like insulin and metformin to determine if it is possible to control blood sugar more effectively that way. This can require some complex dosage balancing with both medications to find the point where they are effective with a minimum of side effects. Changes in the patient’s condition in the long term could also require dosage adjustments.
Patients preparing to change their Amaryl® dosage should be especially aware of their diets and should take note of any changes they observe. If they feel dizzy, irritable, or confused, this could be a sign of a blood sugar problem. Home test kits are available to monitor glucose and provide feedback on how well a patient is controlling diabetes. A mixture of diet, exercise, and medications may be necessary for long term care.
