This is a combination anti-diabetic medicine used to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially when metformin alone is not enough.

Active Ingredients

• Glimepiride (2 mg): A sulfonylurea that stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin.
• Metformin (850 mg): A biguanide that reduces sugar production in the liver and increases insulin sensitivity.

Together, they help lower both fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels.

How It Works

• Glimepiride helps your pancreas release insulin, especially after meals.
• Metformin reduces the amount of sugar made by your liver and helps your body use insulin more efficiently.

This dual action makes the combination more effective than using either drug alone.

Who Should Take It

• Adults with type 2 diabetes not well controlled by metformin alone.
• Especially useful for patients needing moderate glucose control without switching to insulin.

How to Take

• Take with food, usually once or twice daily, as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Do not skip meals while on this medicine, as it may cause low blood sugar.

Benefits

• Controls high blood sugar effectively.
• Helps prevent complications like kidney damage, vision loss, and nerve problems.
• Reduces the need for insulin in many patients.

Common Side Effects

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) – symptoms: sweating, hunger, confusion, shakiness.
• Nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Mild weight gain (due to glimepiride).

Do NOT Use If You Have:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Severe kidney or liver problems
• A history of lactic acidosis
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (unless advised by a doctor)

Alcohol Warning

Avoid or limit alcohol — it increases the risk of lactic acidosis (a rare side effect from metformin) and can worsen low blood sugar.

Monitoring Needed

• Regular blood sugar testing
• Routine checks of kidney and liver function
• Vitamin B12 levels (may drop slightly with long-term metformin use)

Q1. What is Glimepiride 2 mg + Metformin 850 mg used for?

A: This medicine is used to control high blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, especially when metformin alone is not enough.

Q2. How should I take this medicine?

A: Take the tablet with food, once or twice daily as prescribed by your doctor. This helps reduce stomach upset and lowers the risk of low blood sugar.

Q3. What are the common side effects?

A: Common side effects may include:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Stomach upset or bloating
• Mild weight gain

Q4. Can this medicine cause low blood sugar?

A: Yes. Glimepiride can sometimes lower blood sugar too much, especially if you skip meals or exercise intensely. Always carry a sugar source like glucose tablets or candy.

Q5. Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

A: It’s best to avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis (a rare side effect of metformin) and can worsen low blood sugar.