Amaryl Uses

Amaryl is used to treat type 2 diabetes in people who cannot lower blood sugar through lifestyle changes alone. Amaryl works by increasing insulin production in the pancreas. Amaryl also helps to lower blood sugar by helping the cells of the body to take more sugar from the blood. There are currently no universally accepted off-label Amaryl uses.

 

What Is Amaryl Used For?

 Amaryl® (glimepiride) is a prescription medication licensed to treat type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone have not been successful.
 
Using Amaryl for Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes (see Diabetes Types). It is also sometimes called adult-onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition involving insulin resistance. With insulin resistance, body cells do not respond to insulin as well as they normally should. As a result, the body cells do not take sugar out of the blood very well. This is why type 2 diabetics have high blood sugar.
 
Over time, high blood sugar can lead to a number of problems, including diabetic impotence, diabetic neuropathy, kidney failure, and heart disease (see Diabetes Complications). The cause of type 2 diabetes is not fully understood, although it is known that obesity and genetics play an important role.
 
Amaryl is used for treating type 2 diabetes in people who cannot lower blood sugar through lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, diet, and exercise). Amaryl works by increasing the production of insulin in the pancreas. Amaryl also helps to lower blood sugar by improving insulin resistance. This means that Amaryl helps the body's cells take more sugar from the blood.
 
In some people, Amaryl may need to be combined with other diabetes medicines. For example, if type 2 diabetes is untreated for a very long time, the pancreas may not be able to make insulin anymore. In these people, using Amaryl alone will not be effective. These people will need to take insulin along with Amaryl.
(Amaryl Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;