You should not use glimepiride if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use glimepiride if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
an allergy to sulfa drugs; or
diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
liver or kidney disease; or
an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).
Glimepiride may increase your risk of serious heart problems, but not treating your diabetes can also damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of  glimepiride.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby. However, you may need to stop taking glimepiride for a short time just before your due date.
Medications similar to glimepiride have caused severe hypoglycemia in newborn babies whose mothers used the medicine near the time of delivery. If you take glimepiride during pregnancy, stop taking this medicine at least 2 weeks before your due date.
If you breastfeed while taking glimepiride, call your doctor if your baby shows signs of hypoglycemia (extreme drowsiness, feeding problems, mottled skin, blue lips, feeling cold or jittery, or having a seizure).
Glimepiride is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take glimepiride?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Glimepiride is usually taken once a day with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take glimepiride with a full glass of water.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Glimepiride is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A glimepiride overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, confusion, tremors, sweating, fast heart rate, trouble speaking, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, and seizure (convulsions).
