1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Glimepiride tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1)].

Limitations of Use

Glimepiride tablets should not be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these settings.

10 OVERDOSAGE

An overdosage of glimepiride, as with other sulfonylureas, can produce severe hypoglycemia. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia can be treated with oral glucose. Severe hypoglycemic reactions constitute medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment. Severe hypoglycemia with coma, seizure, or neurological impairment can be treated with glucagon or intravenous glucose. Continued observation and additional carbohydrate intake may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1) ]

11 DESCRIPTION

Glimepiride is an oral sulfonylurea that contains the active ingredient glimepiride. Chemically, glimepiride is identified as 1-[[p-[2-(3-ethyl-4-methyl-2-oxo-3-pyrroline-1­carboxamido) ethyl]phenyl]sulfonyl]-3-(trans-4-methylcyclohexyl)urea (C 24H 34N 4O 5S) with a molecular weight of 490.62. Glimepiride is a white to yellowish-white, crystalline, odorless to practically odorless powder and is practically insoluble in water.

The structural formula is:

[Structure]

Glimepiride tablets, USP contain the active ingredient glimepiride and the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, sodium starch glycolate, povidone, and magnesium stearate. In addition, glimepiride tablets, USP 1 mg contain ferric oxide red, glimepiride tablets, USP 2 mg contain ferric oxide yellow and FD &C blue #2 aluminum lake, and glimepiride tablets, USP 4 mg contain FD&C blue #2 aluminum lake.