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Neo-Mercazole 5 (Carbimazole)
Neo-Mercazole general information
What is Neo-Mercazole used for?
Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg are used to treat hyperthyroidism or over-active thyroid, which causes thyrotoxicosis due to over production of thyroid hormone. The most common form of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s Disease or goitre, which is thought to be an autoimmune disease where autoantibodies called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins bind to the receptor for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and cause loss of regulation of thyroid hormone production. Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by inflammation, a tumour or a virus infection. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are due to increased production of thyroid hormone, which causes increased rate of metabolism. They include nervousness, restlessness, irritability difficulty concentrating, tiredness, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, increased perspiration, difficulty sleeping, hand tremors, weight loss, increased appetite, frequent bowel movements, and muscular weakness. Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg are used to help induce permanent remission from thyrotoxicosis; also to restore normal thyroid function before thyroid surgery to remove whole or part of the thyroid gland; also before and after treatment with radioactive iodine for overactive thyroid. Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg is not used for a simple non-toxic goitre in which the thyroid may not make enough thyroid hormone but otherwise functions normally.
How does Neo-Mercazole work?
Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg contain carbimazole, which is a pro-drug and is rapidly metabolised after absorption into its active form methimazole. This metabolite inhibits the action of thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme that is involved in the coupling and iodination of thyroglobulin, which is important for the synthesis of thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism is due to an overactive thyroid gland and overproduction of thyroid hormone, which exists in two forms, thyroxine or levothyroxine, also known as T4 and liothyronine or L-triiodothyronine also known as T3. The production of thyroid hormone is normally regulated by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the hypothalamus, at the base of the brain, and it is this regulation that is deficient in Grave’s disease. Carbimazole in Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormone and thereby helps restore normal levels.
What does Neo-Mercazole contain?
Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg contain the active ingredient carbimazole, an anti-thyroid drug used to treat hyperthyroidism. They also contain: lactose, maize starch, sucrose, magnesium stearate, talc, gum acacia, ferric oxide, gelatin.
Treating hyperthyroidism with Neo-Mercazole
Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg contain carbimazole and are used to treat hyperthyroidism. Overproduction of thyroid hormone causes hyperthyroidism, also known as over-active thyroid and results in increased rate of metabolism. Hyperthyroidism exists in different forms, the most common of which is Grave’s Disease or goitre that is thought to be an autoimmune disease where autoantibodies called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins bind to the receptor for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by inflammation, a tumour or a virus infection. Thyroid hormone exists in two forms, thyroxine or levothyroxine, also known as T4 and liothyronine or L-triiodothyronine also known as T3. The production of thyroid hormone is normally regulated by TSH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the hypothalamus, at the base of the brain, and it is this regulation that is deficient in hyperthyroidism. Carbimazole in Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg inhibits the action of thyroid peroxidase, which is important in the synthesis of thyroid hormone. This action helps restore normal levels of thyroid hormone and relieves symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which include nervousness, restlessness, irritability difficulty concentrating, tiredness, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, increased perspiration and difficulty sleeping, hand tremors, weight loss, increased appetite, frequent bowel movements, and muscular weakness.
Neo-Mercazole for Grave’s Disease
Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg contain carbimazole, an anti-thyroid drug that is used to treat Grave’s Disease, which is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. Grave’s Disease is thought to be an autoimmune disease where autoantibodies called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins bind to the receptor for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). The production of thyroid hormone is normally regulated by TSH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the hypothalamus, at the base of the brain, and it is this regulation that is deficient in hyperthyroidism resulting in over-active thyroid, overproduction of thyroid hormone and increased rate of metabolism. Grave’s Disease is characterised by goitre or swelling of the thyroid gland and thyrotoxicosis (high levels of thyroid hormones), resulting in symptoms including nervousness, restlessness, irritability difficulty concentrating, tiredness, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, increased perspiration and difficulty sleeping, hand tremors, weight loss, increased appetite, frequent bowel movements, and muscular weakness. Carbimazole in Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg inhibits the action of thyroid peroxidase, an important enzyme in the synthesis of thyroid hormone. This action blocks the production of thyroid hormone and helps restore normal levels of thyroid hormone to relieve symptoms of Grave’s Disease.
What are the side effects of Neo-Mercazole?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, paraesthesia (sensation of tingling, numbness), arthralgia (painful joints), skin rash, itching (pruritus), loss of taste. Agranulocytosis (reduced white cell count) is a possible serious side effect that should be monitored for symptoms like sore throat, bruising, bleeding, mouth ulcers, fever and malaise
When should Neo-Mercazole not be used?
You should not use Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg if you:
- are allergic to carbimazole or any ingredients in Neo-Mercazole
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
- have liver disease
- have a serious haematological condition
- have a simple non-toxic goitre (swelling on the neck caused by enlargement of the thyroid gland)
- are taking medicines that interact with Neo-Mercazole, including: vitamin K-dependant anticoagulants, agranulocytosis inducing drugs, theophylline for asthma
What medications interact with Neo-Mercazole?
Several medications interact with Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Neo-Mercazole or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Neo-Mercazole: agranulocytosis inducing drugs
- Drugs that affect Neo-Mercazole: vitamin K-dependant anticoagulants, theophylline for asthma
How should Neo-Mercazole be taken?
You should take your Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg swallowed whole with a glass of water with or without food. The dose you take and how often will depend on the severity of your condition and your doctor’s recommendation and may be once, twice or three times a day. Your dose may be reduced depending on how well you respond. You should see an improvement within three months but you should continue to take your Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg for several months or years depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendation.
How long should you take Neo-Mercazole?
You should continue to take your Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg for several months or years depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendation.
Missed dose of Neo-Mercazole
If you miss a dose of Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Neo-Mercazole be stored?
You should store your Neo-Mercazole tablets 5mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Esomac 40 (Esomeprazole 40mg)
Esomac general information
What is Esomac used for?
Esomac tablets 40mg are used to treat conditions caused by gastric reflux, which is when the acidic contents of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus because the sphincter (muscle at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach) that normally acts as a one-way valve and prevents backflow of stomach contents, does not function properly or is damaged. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), as this condition is known, causes symptoms like heartburn and dyspepsia (indigestion and abdominal pain), and can damage the oesophagus causing inflammation (oesophagitis). Esomac 40 is also used to treat and prevent peptic ulcers in the stomach (gastric ulcers or damage to the stomach lining) and duodenum (duodenal ulcers or damage to the lining of the upper intestine); and gastric ulcers caused by use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID); also as combination therapy to treat gastric ulcers that are caused by infection of the stomach with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, in conjunction with using antibiotics. Esomac 40 is also used to treat symptoms of acid-related dyspepsia that can be caused by eating high fat or acidic foods, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in which increased levels of the hormone gastrin causes an excessive production of gastric acid.
How does Esomac work?
Esomac tablets 40mg contain esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that is used to treat conditions caused by excess gastric acid, by reducing the amount of gastric acid released into the stomach. Stomach acid is needed for digestion of proteins in your diet and is made by the parietal cells of the stomach wall. Gastric acid production is dependent on the action of the enzyme H+/K+-ATPase, which is the proton pump responsible for pumping positive hydrogen ions out of the cells into the stomach, which increases the acidity of the stomach contents. Esomeprazole in Esomac 40 inhibits the functioning of the H+/K+-ATPase, which prevents acid secretion by blocking the source of acid production. This action of esomeprazole reduces the acidity of the stomach contents, which reduces the acid damage that can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and oesophagitis and relieves symptoms caused by excess gastric acid like heartburn and dyspepsia. By inhibiting gastric acid secretion Esomac 40 also help prevent the formation of gastric (stomach) and duodenal (upper intestine) peptic ulcers and also helps ulcers and damage caused by gastric reflux to heal.
What does Esomac contain?
Esomac tablets 40mg contain the active ingredient esomeprazole, which is a proton pump inhibitor that is used to treat conditions caused by excess gastric acid secretion.
Treating gastric reflux with Esomac
Esomac tablets 40mg contain esomeprazole, which is used to treat conditions caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Gastric reflux is when the acidic contents of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus because the sphincter (muscle at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach) that normally acts as a one-way valve and prevents backflow of stomach contents, does not function properly or is damaged. Symptoms caused by gastric reflux include heartburn and dyspepsia (indigestion and abdominal pain), and damage to the oesophagus causing inflammation (oesophagitis). Esomeprazole in Esomac tablets 40mg reduces acid secretion by parietal cells of the stomach wall, by blocking the action of the enzyme H+/K+-ATPase, which is responsible for acid production. This action of esomeprazole reduces the acidity of the stomach contents, which reduces the acid damage that can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and oesophagitis, relieves symptoms caused by excess gastric acid like heartburn and dyspepsia; as well as helping damaged tissues caused by excess acid to heal.
Esomac for peptic ulcers
Esomac tablets 40mg contain the active ingredient esomeprazole, which is used to treat and prevent prevent peptic ulcers in the stomach (gastric ulcers or damage to the stomach lining) and duodenum (duodenal ulcers or damage to the lining of the upper intestine), caused by excess secretion of gastric acid; and gastric ulcers caused by use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Esomac tablets 40mg are also used as combination therapy to treat and prevent gastric ulcers that are caused by infection of the stomach with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, in conjunction with using antibiotics. Esomeprazole in Esomac tablets 40mg reduces acid secretion by parietal cells of the stomach wall, by blocking the action of the enzyme H+/K+-ATPase, which responsible for acid production. This action of esomeprazole reduces the acidity of the stomach contents, which reduces the acid damage to the stomach wall and allows ulcers that have already developed to heal.
What are the side effects of Esomac?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Esomac include, include: constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, wind (flatulence), headache, dry mouth, skin rash, dizziness, sensation of tingling in the skin (paraesthesia), insomnia.
When should Esomac not be used?
You should not use Esomac 40 if you:
- are allergic to esomeprazole or any ingredients in Esomac
- are taking medicines that interact with Esomac including: the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole, the anticoagulant warfarin, phenytoin for epilepsy, the antiretroviral atazanavir, the antibiotic clarithromycin, the immunosuppressive tacrolimus, the sedative diazepam
How should Esomac be taken?
You should take your Esomac tablets 40mg with a glass of water at least one hour before a meal. You should continue to take your Esomac tablets 40mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for a few weeks to 6 months, depending on the condition you are being treated for.
How long should you take Esomac?
You should continue to take your Esomac tablets 40mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for a few weeks to 6 months, depending on the condition you are being treated for.
Missed dose of Esomac
If you miss a dose of Esomac 40 take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Esomac be stored?
You should store your Esomac 40 below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Muply (Mupirocin 2%) Ointment
Muply general information
What is Muply used for?
Muply ointment is a topical treatment for a variety of primary bacterial skin infections, including, impetigo, a superficial skin infection most common in young children; folliculitis, infection of the hair root ; furunculosis, also known as boils; ecthyma, a deep, ulcerating infection of the skin caused by streptococcus bacteria. Muply ointment is also used to treat secondary infections that occur in damaged skin, for example due to eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, herpes (cold sores), epidermolysis bullosa (an inherited diseases characterised by blistering lesions on the skin and mucous membranes), icthyosis (genetic skin disorders that cause dry, fragile skin); also for treatment of infected traumatic lesions such as wounds, ulcers, minor burns, cuts, grazes and insect bites, as well as to prevent the development of infection and help wound healing.
How does Muply work?
Muply ointment contains mupirocin, an antibiotic that has very potent bactericidal activity, and is used as a topical treatment for a variety of primary skin infections; and secondary infections that occur in damaged skin and in skin lesions. Mupirocin in Muply ointment inhibits protein and RNA synthesis in susceptible bacteria, which include staphylococci, streptococci, and Haemophilus influenza. This action of mupirocin in Muply ointment blocks growth and replication of the susceptible bacteria, and prevents the spread of the infection.
What does Muply contain?
Muply ointment contains the active ingredient mupirocin 2%, a topical antibiotic used to treat variety of skin infections.
Treating skin infections with Muply
Muply ointment contains mupirocin, an antibiotic that is used as a topical treatment for a variety of skin infections. Skin infections that Muply ointment is used for include impetigo, a superficial skin infection most common in young children; folliculitis, infection of the hair root; furunculosis, also known as boils; ecthyma, a deep, ulcerating infection of the skin caused by streptococcus bacteria. Muply ointment is also effective against secondary infections that occur in damaged skin due to eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, herpes and genetic skin disorders that cause dry, fragile skin; as well as for infected traumatic lesions such as wounds, ulcers, minor burns, cuts, grazes and insect bites; and to prevent the development of infection and help wound healing. Mupirocin in Muply ointment inhibits the protein and RNA synthesis in susceptible bacteria, which blocks growth and replication of these bacteria and prevents the spread of the infection.
What are the side effects of Muply?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Muply include itching, dryness, burning, redness, stinging, pain or swelling.
When should Muply not be used?
You should not use Muply ointment if you:
- are allergic to mupirocin or any ingredients in Muply
- have an eye or nose infection, as Muply ointment is suitable only for skin infections
How should Muply be used?
You should apply your Muply ointment to the affected area three times each day. Squeeze a small amount onto your finger tip and rub in gently; always wash your hands before and after applying the ointment and avoid contact with the eyes. Your doctor may recommend applying a gauze to the infected area over the ointment. You should continue to apply your Muply ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for up to 10 days.
How long should you use Muply?
You should continue to apply your Muply ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for up to 10 days.
Missed dose of Muply
If you miss a dose of Muply ointment apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose.
How should Muply be stored?
You should store your Muply ointment below 25°C in a cool dry place; do not freeze the ointment.
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Glyciphage 500mg (Metformin)
Glyciphage general information
What is Glyciphage used for?
Glyciphage tablets 500mg are an oral diabetes medication that is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus (also called non insulin-dependent diabetes or maturity onset diabetes) who are unable to achieve adequate glycaemic control (normal blood sugar levels) with diet and exercise alone, which is a particular problem in overweight people. Glyciphage tablets 500mg can be used as first time treatment for newly diagnosed diabetics, or for patients who are not responding to an alternative medication, and can be used either alone or in combination with another oral antihyperglycaemic medication (lowers blood sugar). In some cases Glyciphage is used in conjunction with insulin in type 1 diabetes (also called insulin -dependent diabetes), where insulin alone is not enough to control blood sugar levels.
How does Glyciphage work?
Glyciphage tablets 500mg contain the active ingredient Metformin hydrochloride, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication belonging to the biguanide group of drugs. Metformin in Glyciphage tablets 500mg controls blood glucose (sugar) by lowering levels of glucose after a meal (posprandial) as well as keeping levels normal between meals (basal levels), by helping the body respond to insulin without increasing insulin production. Metformin in Glyciphage tablets 500mg works using three different mechanisms: decreasing glucose production in the liver, which is normally switched off when blood glucose levels are high enough; increasing sensitivity to insulin in fat and muscle tissue, where excess glucose is removed from the blood and stored; reducing absorption of glucose by the intestines form the diet. Maintaining glycaemic control with Glyciphage tablets 500mg reduces risk of serious health complications associated with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina in the eye with loss of vision), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).
What does Glyciphage contain?
Glyciphage tablets 500mg contain the active ingredient metformin, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus.
Treating type 2 diabetes with Glyciphage
Glyciphage tablets 500mg contain Metformin, which is an oral antihyperglycaemic medication that is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus (also called non insulin-dependent diabetes or maturity onset diabetes) who are unable to achieve adequate glycaemic control (normal blood sugar levels) with diet and exercise alone, which is a particular problem in overweight people. Metformin in Glyciphage tablets 500mg lowers blood sugar after a meal (posprandial) as well as keeping levels normal between meals (basal levels), by helping the body respond to insulin without increasing insulin production, using three different mechanisms: decreasing glucose production in the liver, which is normally switched off when blood glucose levels are high enough; increasing sensitivity to insulin in fat and muscle tissue, where excess glucose is removed from the blood and stored; reducing absorption of glucose by the intestines form the diet. Maintaining glycaemic control with Glyciphage tablets 500mg reduces risk of serious health complications associated with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina in the eye with loss of vision), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).
What are the side effects of Glyciphage?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Glyciphage tablets 500mg include: gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, which are usually mild and resolve spontaneously during continued treatment; metallic taste in the mouth; and skin rash. A rare and potentially life threatening side effect is lactic acidosis (a build up of lactic acid in the blood) that can occur due to accumulation of metformin, particularly if you are taking high doses of metformin above 2000mg per day, have kidney problems, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, are elderly.
When should Glyciphage not be used?
You should not use Glyciphage if you:
- are allergic to metformin or any other biguanide or any ingredients in Glyciphage tablets 500mg
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding without discussion with your doctor
- have liver or kidney disease
- have a conditions affecting renal function, like dehydration, severe infection or shock
- have diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic precoma
- have acute or chronic disease which may cause tissue hypoxia such as heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, shock, acute significant blood loss, sepsis, gangrene, pancreatitis
- have a history of lactic acidosis
- have a problem with alcohol
- are taking medications that may interact with Glyciphage tablets 500mg including: cimetidine for reflux and ulcers, medications for high blood pressure and heart conditions like nifedipine, beta-blockers, diuretics, other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas and repaglinide, corticosteroids such as prednisone, cortisone, anticoagulants
- undergoing radiological treatment with intravascular iodinated contrast agents which may lead to renal failure, resulting in metformin accumulation and a risk of lactic acidosis
What medications interact with Glyciphage
Several medications interact with Glyciphage and should either not be taken while you are taking Glyciphage or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that interact with Glyciphage to increase side effects: other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas and repaglinide, ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure, corticosteroids such as prednisone, cortisone
- Drugs that affect Glyciphage: cimetidine for reflux and ulcers, medications for high blood pressure and heart conditions like nifedipine, beta-blockers, diuretics , thyroid medicines
- Drugs that are affected by Glyciphage: anticoagulants
How should Glyciphage be taken?
You should take your Glyciphage tablets 500mg with a glass of water and with food. The dose you take and how often should be as recommended by your doctor. The usual starting dose is one tablet once, twice or 3 times daily during or immediately after a meal, to reduce stomach effects. You will have your blood sugar levels monitored and your dose may be adjusted after a few weeks, depending on how well your blood sugar levels are controlled. You should continue to take your Metformin tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for long periods.
How long should you take Glyciphage?
You should continue to take your Glyciphage tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for long periods.
Missed dose of Glyciphage
If you miss a dose of Glyciphage take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Glyciphage be stored?
You should store your Glyciphage tablets 500mg below 25°C in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
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Amaryl 2mg (Glimepiride) 30's
Amaryl general information
What is Amaryl used for?
Amaryl tablets 2mg are an antidiabetic medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus (also called non insulin-dependent diabetes or maturity onset diabetes) who are unable to achieve adequate glycaemic control (normal blood sugar levels) with diet and exercise alone. Amaryl tablets 2mg should be used in conjunction with diet, exercise and weight loss to lower blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus and can be used alone as monotherapy, in conjunction with diet and exercise, or in combination with other antihyperglycaemic medication (lowers blood sugar), like metformin, when a single drug does not result in adequate glycaemic control. However, Amaryl tablets 2mg are not suitable for treatment of type-1 diabetes mellitus or insulin-dependent diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of serious health complications, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina in the eye with loss of vision), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage). Maintaining glycaemic control with Amaryl tablets 2mg reduces the risk of developing these vascular complications.
How does Amaryl work?
Amaryl tablets 2mg contain glimepiride, an oral antihyperglycaemic medication belonging to the sulfonylurea group of drugs. Glimepiride in Amaryl tablets 2mg controls blood glucose (sugar) primarily by acting directly on the beta cells, which are the insulin-producing cells of pancreatic islet tissue, to increase their sensitivity to glucose and to stimulate the cells to produce and release more insulin. Insulin is normally produced in response to food and increased blood glucose levels and it controls postprandial (after eating) blood glucose levels (glycaemic control). In diabetes, resistance to insulin results in loss of glycaemic control. Glimepiride in Amaryl tablets 2mg helps the body to produce sufficient insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels after a meal as well as between meals and is effective for up to 24 hours. It is also thought that as well as acting as an insulin secretagogue (stimulates insulin secretion) glimepiride in Amaryl tablets 2mg also acts on insulin-responsive cells in the liver, muscle and fat cells to increase the number of receptors, which means that insulin control of glucose production by the liver and uptake of insulin into peripheral tissues for energy and storage, is more efficient.
What does Amaryl contain?
Amaryl tablets 2mg contains the active ingredient glimepiride, an oral antihyperglycaemic medication belonging to the sulfonylurea group of drugs, used to treat type-2 diabetes. They also contain, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium starch glycollate, indigo carmine, iron oxide yellow.
Treating type 2 diabetes with Amaryl
Amaryl tablets 2mg contain glimepiride, an oral antihyperglycaemic medication, used to control blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus (also called non insulin-dependent diabetes or maturity onset diabetes) who are unable to achieve adequate glycaemic control (normal blood sugar levels) with diet and exercise alone. Glimepiride in Amaryl tablets 2mg controls blood glucose (sugar) primarily by acting directly on the insulin-producing beta cells of pancreatic islet tissue, to stimulate the cells to produce more insulin. Insulin is normally produced in response to food and increased blood glucose levels, and it controls postprandial (after eating) blood glucose levels (glycaemic control). In diabetes, resistance to insulin results in loss of glycaemic control. Amaryl tablets 2mg help the body to produce sufficient insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels after a meal as well as between meals and is effective for up to 24 hours. It is also thought that as well as stimulating insulin secretion, glimepiride in Amaryl tablets 2mg also acts on insulin-responsive cells in the liver, muscle and fat cells to increase the number of receptors, which means that insulin control of glucose production by the liver and insulin uptake into peripheral tissues for energy and storage, is more efficient. Maintaining glycaemic control with Amaryl tablets 2mg reduces risk of serious health complications associated with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina in the eye with loss of vision), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).
What are the side effects of Amaryl?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Amaryl tablets 2mg include: gastrointestinal complaints like nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and stomach or abdominal pain; allergic skin reactions like, redness (erythema), itching (pruritus), hives (urticaria); dizziness, drowsiness, headache, visual disturbances, confusion, malaise and tremor, which are usually transient and may be signs of hypoglycaemia. A more serious side effect of taking Amaryl tablets 2mg is severe hypoglycaemia (very low blood glucose), as glimepiride continues to work between meals to reduce blood sugar levels, so it is important to eat regularly; also certain other conditions like liver or kidney problems, or taking other medications like beta blockers, can make you more susceptible to hypoglycaemia. Other symptoms of hypoglycaemia include headache, hunger, restlessness, loss of consciousness, which can result in coma.
What is hypoglycaemia (hypo)
Having a hypo is an unpleasant episode experienced by diabetics and refers to extreme hypoglycaemia or very low blood glucose. Glimepiride in Amaryl tablets 2mg continue to work between meals to reduce blood sugar levels and therefore if glucose levels fall too low, by missing a meal or waiting too long between eating, severe hypoglycaemia, which is very low blood glucose, can be the result. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include headache, hunger, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, sensory disturbances, delirium, loss of consciousness, which can result in shallow respiration, bradycardia (slow heart beat) and coma.
When should Amaryl not be used?
You should not use Amaryl tablets 2mg if you:
- are allergic to glimepiride or any ingredients in Amaryl
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have kidney or liver or thyroid disease
- have type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes or suffer from diabetic coma or diabetic ketoacidosis
- have G6PD deficiency as you may be at risk of haemolytic anaemia
- are malnourished or have adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, as this may increase risk of hypoglycaemia
- are taking medicines that interact with Amaryl, including: the antifungals miconazole and fluconazole, non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAID) like phenylbutazone, salicylate analgesicis like aspirin, beta-blockers like propranolol for high blood pressure and certain heart conditions, ACE Inhibitors like benezapril for high blood pressure, cimetidine for peptic ulcers, monoamine oxidase inhibitors for depression, probenecid for gout, the anticoagulant warfarin, the antibiotic chloramphenicol, sulphonamide antibiotics, corticosteroids for inflammation, bronchodilators like salbutamol, thiazides and other diuretics, thyroid hormones, oestrogens and progestogens for oral contraceptives and HRT, phenytoin for epilepsy, nicotinic acid for high cholesterol, calcium channel blocking drugs like verapamil for angina, isoniazid for tuberculosis
What medications interact with Amaryl?
Several medications interact with Amaryl tablets 2mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Amaryl or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that affect Amaryl tablets 2mg and cause hypoglaemia (low blood sugar) by increasing its glucose-lowering effect: the antifungals miconazole and fluconazole, non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAID) like phenylbutazone, salicylate analgesics like aspirin, beta-blockers like propranolol for high blood pressure and certain heart conditions, ACE Inhibitors like benezapril for high blood pressure, cimetidine for peptic ulcers, monoamine oxidase inhibitors for depression, probenecid for gout, the anticoagulant warfarin, the antibiotic chloramphenicol, sulphonamide antibiotics, bronchodilators like salbutamol
- Drugs that affect Amaryl tablets 2mg and cause hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) by reducing its glucose-lowering effect: Danazol for hormone treatment, the antipsychotic chlorpromazine, corticosteroids for inflammation, bronchodilators like salbutamol, thiazides and other diuretics, thyroid hormones, oestrogens and progestogens for oral contraceptives and HRT, phenytoin for epilepsy, nicotinic acid for high cholesterol, calcium channel blocking drugs like verapamil for angina, isoniazid for tuberculosis
How should Amaryl be taken?
You should take your Amaryl tablets 2mg swallowed whole with a glass of water just before breakfast of if you only have a light breakfast, then take your Amaryl tablets just before your midday meal. It is important that you do not skip a meal while taking Amaryl tablets 2mg. The dose you take depends on how well you respond and your doctor may increase your dose until your blood glucose has reached normal levels and remains controlled. You should continue to take your Amaryl tablets 2mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they with help maintain your blood sugar levels but will not cure your diabetes.
How long should you take Amaryl?
You should continue to take your Amaryl tablets 2mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they with help maintain your blood sugar levels but will not cure your diabetes.
Missed dose of Amaryl
If you miss a dose of Amaryl tablets 2mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Amaryl be stored?
You should store your Amaryl below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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