Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Sulfonylurea (glimepiride)

Glimepiride works by stimulating insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells.

Glimepiride works by stimulating insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells. Used for Type 2 diabetes.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea that binds to and inhibits the ATP-sensitive potassium channels in the pancreatic beta cells, leading to insulin release. This results in increased insulin levels and decreased glucose levels in the blood.

Approved indications

• Type 2 diabetes

Common side effects

• Hypoglycemia
• Weight gain
• Nausea

Key clinical trials

• A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Major Glycemia-lowering Medications for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (PHASE3)
• Efficacy and Safety Study of MP-513 in Combination With Sulfonylurea in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes (PHASE3)
• Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Four Second Line Pharmacological Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Study
• Comparison of Type 2 Diabetes Pharmacotherapy Regimens
• A Study for Comparison of Canagliflozin Versus Alternative Antihyperglycemic Treatments on Risk of Heart Failure Hospitalization and Amputation for Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Subpopulation With Established Cardiovascular Disease
• A Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of ASP1941 in Combination With Sulfonylurea in Type 2 Diabetic Patients (PHASE3)
• Comparative Analysis of Cost-effectiveness Between Sulfonylureas and DPP4 Inhibitors in Combination With Metformin in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Patients : A Retrospective, Observational Study.
• Real-World Evaluation of Omarigliptin for Type 2 Diabetes Meliitus in Bangladesh (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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