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Glimepiride

Drug Information

Glimepiride is used to treat type 2, or non-insulin-dependent, diabetes when diet and exercise alone have been ineffective. It is a type of drug called a sulfonylurea.

Common brand names:

Amaryl

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

What Are Nutrient Interactions

Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

none

Reduce Side Effects

none

Support Medicine

Magnesium

Supplementing magnesium may enhance the blood-sugar-lowering effects of sulfonylurea drugs.¹ Though no current studies have investigated whether glimepiride increases the risk of developing hypoglycemia, individuals should closely monitor their blood glucose while taking glimepiride together with magnesium supplements.

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Reduces Effectiveness

none

Potential Negative Interaction

Ginkgo

In a preliminary trial, administration of Ginkgo biloba extract (120 mg per day) for three months to patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking oral anti-diabetes medication resulted in a significant worsening of glucose tolerance. Ginkgo did not impair glucose tolerance in individuals whose diabetes was controlled by diet.² Individuals taking oral anti-diabetes medication should consult a doctor before taking Ginkgo biloba.
Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 can raise blood sugar levels, which makes diabetes difficult to control.³ Use of niacin along with glimepiride may increase requirements for the drug. On the other hand, individuals who stop taking niacin while on glimepiride should monitor their blood for lower-than-usual glucose levels.

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Explanation Required

none

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

References

1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, Inc., 1997, 213.

2. Kudolo GB. The effect of 3-month ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on pancreatic beta-cell function in response to glucose loading in individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Clin Pharmacol2001;41:600–11.

3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1346–9.

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Last Review: 02-05-2013

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