Duopil 2/500 Tablet (Glimepiride 2mg / Metformin 500mg)

Medical Description

Duopil 2/500mg Tab contains a combination of Glimepiride and Metformin, an anti-diabetic medicine.

Uses of Duopil 2/500mg Tablet

This medicine is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus; when diet, exercise and Glimepiride or Metformin alone is not able to control the blood sugar levels adequately.

Contraindications of Duopil 2/500mg Tablet

If you are allergic to metformin, glimepiride or any of the ingredient of this medicine
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have serious kidney failure or liver failure
If you have any metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the body fluids) like lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic pre-coma
If you have dehydration, severe infections, shock and injections containing iodine
If you have had heart or lung failure, recent incidence of heart attack and shock
If you are alcoholic.

Side effects of Duopil 2/500mg Tablet

Metabolic disorders: weight gain, low blood sugar level which can cause headache, sweating, nausea, wet skin, anxiety and restlessness
Stomach disorders: vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, loss of taste sensation, metallic taste and stomach discomfort (pressure and fullness)
Heart disorders: High blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, chest pain (arrhythmias)
Skin disorders: Allergic skin reactions like rashes, itching, red bumps on the skin and sometimes hair loss, in case of progressive skin allergy, inform the doctor immediately, it might lead to shock
Eye disorders: Temporary visual disturbances
Blood disorders: Changes in blood cell count, anemia
Others: Difficulty in breathing, decrease in vitamin B12 levels alter brain function and light sensitivity.

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Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
You experience extreme hunger, headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, restlessness, aggression, reduced alertness, confusion, shakiness or dizziness. These could be signs of low blood sugar. If you have any of these, immediately have sugar or sweet juice Inform your doctor as you may need a change in your medicine’s dose
You are experiencing pins-and-needles sensation, numbness and weakness
You are going to have a diagnostic imaging test which involves injection of iodine
You have dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting or limited fluid intake
You have suffered through trauma
You have to undergo surgery in the near future
You have serious kidney and liver problems
You have thyroid disorder
You are overweight (specific diet restriction may be suggested).

Mode of Action of Duopil 2/500mg Tablet

How Does It Work?
This combination is known to control blood sugar to a greater extent than metformin or glimepiride alone Glimiperide lowers the blood sugar level increasing release of insulin hormone from pancreas
Insulin moves sugar (glucose) from the blood into the cells
Metformin decreases the absorption in the intestine and production of sugar by the liver
Both of these components are known to increase the insulin sensitivity of the body (allows the cells of the body to use blood glucose more effectively, reducing blood sugar).

Directions for Use of Duopil 2/500mg Tablet

It should be consumed as a whole without chewing or crushing with a sufficient amount of water with food.

Interactions of Duopil 2/500mg Tablet

Interactions with other medicines
You may have symptoms of low blood sugar if you are taking other medicines for diabetes like Insulin, Pioglitazone, medicines for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors like Captopril), Steroids, Chloramphenicol, Fenfluramine, Fenyramidol, medicine to lower blood cholesterol (fibrates), medicine to treat depression (Fluoxetine), medicine to treat blood clotting like Coumarins, Cyclophosphamide, Miconazole, Probenecid, antibiotics like Clarithromycin, Doxycycline, Ofloxacin etc.
You may have symptoms of high blood sugar if you are taking oral contraceptives, Acetazolamide, water pill, Phenytoid, Rifampicin, medicines for constipation, Phenytoin, Rifampicin and medicines for thyroid disorders
Medicines like anti-allergic (ranitidine), clonidine, reserpine and medicines used to treat high blood pressure like atenolol can alter the way this medicine works and may block your body’s response to low blood sugar. This can lead to dangerously low levels of blood sugar
Medicines like Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Water pill, Enalapril may affect your kidney functions if taken along with this medicine
Medicines used to treat thyroid can affect the way this medicine works.

Storage and disposal of Duopil 2/500mg Tablet

Store at room temperature in a dry place
Protect it from moisture
Keep out of the reach of children.

Dosage of Duopil 2/500mg Tablet

Overdose
Overdose of this medicine may lead to severe hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis (Excessive lactic acid build-up) & (low blood sugar)
This can result in headache, nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, restlessness, impaired alertness and reactions, depression, confusion, dizziness etc.
If you experience these, immediately take glucose or juice or sugar-containing products (Sugar candy)
Contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital as you may require close monitoring for the next few hours.
Missed a Dose
Missed dose may lead to high blood sugar levels, which includes symptoms like feeling thirsty, excessive urination, loss of appetite, drowsiness, fruity smell from breath etc.
If you missed any dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember
If it’s time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule
Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.