Glimepiride 1 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Type 2 diabetes – lowers blood sugar by helping the pancreas release more insulin; Used along with metformin when metformin alone does not control sugar.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.41 to ₹3.97 per tablet across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glimepiride Tablets IP 1mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹4.13 | ₹0.41 | 19 October 2026 |
| Glimestar 1 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹31.94 | ₹3.19 | 19 October 2026 |
| Glimer 1 | Abbott | 15 | ₹59.21 | ₹3.95 | 19 October 2026 |
| Amaryl 1 | Sanofi India Ltd | 30 | ₹119.07 | ₹3.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zoryl 1 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹59.54 | ₹3.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Glimy 1 | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 15 | ₹59.53 | ₹3.97 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Type 2 diabetes – lowers blood sugar by helping the pancreas release more insulin.
- Used along with metformin when metformin alone does not control sugar.
- Used with diet and exercise, never as a replacement for them.
How to take it
Take one 1 mg tablet once a day with breakfast or the first main meal, swallowed with water. Do not skip the meal after taking it. 1 mg is the usual starting dose; your doctor may increase it in steps after checking your blood sugar. Monitor your sugar as advised.
Side effects
Common
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) – sweating, shaking, hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion. Keep sugar or glucose with you.
- Headache, dizziness.
- Nausea or stomach discomfort.
- Weight gain.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe low blood sugar leading to fainting or fits – an emergency.
- Allergic skin reactions, including severe rash.
- Yellow skin or eyes (liver problems).
- Low platelet or blood cell counts (rare) – unusual bruising or infections.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol. It can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar with glimepiride and can mask the warning signs.
Pregnancy
Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding; doctors usually switch to insulin. Tell your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy.
Kidney problems
Use with care; low sugar episodes are more likely and last longer when kidneys are weak. Your doctor may use a lower dose.
Liver problems
Avoid in severe liver disease. Tell your doctor about any liver problem.
Children
Not used in children.
Missed dose
If you miss the morning dose, take it with your next meal the same day if you remember in time. Do not take two doses together and do not take it without eating.
Interactions
- Insulin and other diabetes medicines – higher chance of low blood sugar.
- Beta-blockers (such as atenolol, metoprolol) – can hide the warning signs of low sugar.
- Fluconazole, clarithromycin and some sulfa antibiotics – can raise glimepiride levels and cause low sugar.
- Steroids, thiazide water pills and some BP medicines – can raise blood sugar.
- NSAID painkillers (ibuprofen, diclofenac) and aspirin – may increase the sugar-lowering effect.
- Rifampicin – can lower glimepiride levels.
Frequently asked questions
Amaryl 1 before or after food?
Take Amaryl 1 just before or with breakfast (the first main meal of the day). Never take it and then skip the meal – that can cause dangerous low blood sugar.
Can I take Amaryl 1 with alcohol?
Avoid alcohol. It can drop your blood sugar unpredictably with glimepiride and hide the symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
What should I do if my sugar drops after Amaryl 1?
Immediately take 15 g of fast sugar – 3 to 4 glucose tablets, half a glass of fruit juice or a spoon of sugar – and recheck after 15 minutes. Then eat a snack. Tell your doctor; your dose may need to be reduced.
Can I take Amaryl 1 with Glycomet (metformin)?
Yes, glimepiride and metformin are very commonly prescribed together. Many Indian brands combine them in one tablet. Follow your doctor's dose for each.
Does Amaryl 1 cause weight gain?
Glimepiride can cause mild weight gain because it increases insulin. Diet and exercise help limit this; discuss with your doctor if it is a concern.
Is Amaryl 1 safe in pregnancy?
No, glimepiride is usually stopped in pregnancy and replaced with insulin. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be.
Does Amaryl 1 need a prescription?
Yes. Glimepiride is a Schedule H medicine in India and the dose must be set by a doctor based on your blood sugar.
Can I skip Amaryl 1 if I am fasting (vrat/Roza)?
Do not take glimepiride without eating. If you plan to fast, talk to your doctor beforehand – the dose or timing may need to change to prevent low sugar.
Amaryl 1 vs Amaryl 2 – which should I take?
They are the same medicine in different strengths. 1 mg is the usual starting dose and 2 mg is used when more sugar control is needed. Only your doctor should change the strength.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Glimepiride (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms