Glycomet GP1 is an oral anti-diabetic medicine used to manage Type 2 Diabetes. It combines Metformin and Glimepiride to control blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, and lower HbA1c levels. Learn about its uses, side effects, dosage, and safety tips.
Basic Information
- Medicine Name: Glycomet GP1
- Form: Oral tablet
- Manufacturer: USV Ltd.
- Prescription Required: Yes
- Drug Type: Anti-diabetic medication
- Drug Class: Combination of Biguanide (Metformin) and Sulfonylurea (Glimepiride)
- Dosage Strength: Glimepiride 1 mg + Metformin 500 mg (SR)
- Available Forms: GP1, GP2, GP3 (dose variants)
- Use: Controls blood sugar in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Route: Oral consumption with water
Table of Contents
Composition
- Glimepiride – A sulfonylurea class drug
- Metformin Hydrochloride (500 mg SR) – A biguanide class drug
- SR: Sustained Release formulation for longer action
- Excipients: Stabilizers, fillers, and film-coating agents
- Tablet Color: Typically white or light yellow
Mechanism of Action
- Glimepiride: Stimulates pancreas to release more insulin
- Metformin: Decreases glucose production by the liver
- Metformin: Improves insulin sensitivity
- Combined Action: Controls both fasting and post-meal sugar
- Lowers HbA1c levels over long-term use
Uses & Indications
- Type 2 Diabetes – Main use
- Insulin Resistance – Helps manage
- Hyperglycemia – Effective control
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – Sometimes prescribed off-label
- Obesity-related diabetes – Aids weight stability
- Post-prandial blood glucose – Controlled better than monotherapy
- Fasting sugar levels – Reduction observed
- Stable sugar profile over 24 hours
- Delays diabetes-related complications
- Used when diet + exercise aren’t enough
Dosage & Administration
- Usually 1 tablet once daily with breakfast
- Dosage depends on blood sugar profile
- Must be taken at same time daily
- Should be swallowed whole, not crushed
- Dosage may be increased by doctor
- Do not skip meals while taking this
- Adjusted for kidney or liver function
- Not recommended for Type 1 diabetes
- Avoid alcohol with this medicine
- Consult doctor before changing dose
Side Effects (Common)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Metallic taste
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea (especially during first few days)
- Weight gain (rare with metformin)
- Flatulence
Side Effects (Serious, Rare)
- Lactic Acidosis (rare but serious)
- Severe hypoglycemia
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling)
- Liver dysfunction
- Pancreatitis (very rare)
- Vision changes
- Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Seek emergency help for above symptoms
Precautions Before Use
- Inform doctor of any kidney or liver issues
- Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice
- Avoid in alcoholics or those with heart problems
- Caution if on diuretics or steroids
- Can interact with other antidiabetics
- Avoid if you have severe gastrointestinal problems
- Not for ketoacidosis treatment
- Avoid dehydration
- Monitor regularly if over age 65
- Watch for signs of lactic acidosis
How It Helps Diabetes
- Lowers overall blood sugar
- Improves fasting blood sugar (FBS)
- Stabilizes postprandial sugar (PPBS)
- Reduces insulin resistance
- Controls hunger spikes
- Improves body’s insulin sensitivity
- Lowers A1C levels over time
- Helps prevent diabetic complications
- May help reduce cholesterol
- Supports weight maintenance
Monitoring During Use
- Check FBS and PPBS regularly
- Monitor HbA1c every 3–6 months
- Periodic kidney function tests (KFT)
- Monitor liver function (LFT)
- Regular eye checkups
- Monitor weight and appetite
- Maintain sugar logbook
- Test urine for sugar and ketones
- Report unusual fatigue or muscle pain
- Watch for cold hands/feet (circulation issues)
Diet & Lifestyle Tips While Taking
- Follow a low-sugar, high-fiber diet
- Exercise regularly (30 mins/day)
- Avoid sugary drinks and sweets
- Eat balanced meals at regular times
- Don’t skip meals to prevent hypoglycemia
- Stay hydrated
- Limit alcohol
- Avoid smoking
- Sleep 7–8 hours
- Manage stress to control sugar
Drug Interactions
- Insulin – risk of low sugar increases
- NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) – may affect kidney
- Steroids – may increase blood sugar
- Diuretics – risk of dehydration
- Antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin) – may affect metformin
- Beta-blockers – mask hypoglycemia symptoms
- Antacids – may alter drug absorption
- Thyroid medicines – may reduce effectiveness
- Antifungals – interaction possible
- Always check before taking new meds
When to Avoid Glycomet GP1
- If allergic to metformin or glimepiride
- Severe kidney failure
- Liver disease
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe dehydration
- Alcohol intoxication
- Severe infection
- Pregnancy (unless advised)
- Heart attack recovery phase
- After surgery without doctor’s permission
Missed Dose / Overdose
- Take missed dose as soon as remembered
- Skip if it’s close to the next dose
- Do not double the dose
- Overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia
- Symptoms of overdose: sweating, tremors, confusion
- Seek emergency help immediately
- Always keep a sugar source handy
- Inform someone close if on this medication
- Wear a medical ID bracelet if diabetic
- Store medicine safely away from children
Storage
- Store at room temperature (below 30°C)
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Avoid moisture and humidity
- Keep in original packaging
- Do not use expired tablets
- Dispose unused medicine properly
- Keep away from pets and children
- Do not refrigerate
- Avoid transferring to unlabelled containers
- Store separately from vitamins or herbs
Benefits Summary
- Controls Type 2 diabetes effectively
- Combines 2 medicines in one pill
- Better sugar control than monotherapy
- Once-daily dosing for ease
- Cost-effective in Indian market
- Available in all pharmacies
- Improves quality of life
- Reduces risk of long-term diabetic issues
- Safe under doctor supervision
- Widely prescribed across India