What is the brand name for Glimepiride?
The brand name for Glimepiride is Amaryl.
PTCE Top 200 · #80
Glimepiride
Amaryl
Glimepiride is the generic name for the brand-name drug Amaryl. It is a sulfonylurea used to treat type 2 diabetes. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Glimepiride ranks #80 and is one of the most frequently tested endocrine/diabetes medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Glimepiride |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Amaryl |
| Drug class | Sulfonylurea |
| Class group | Endocrine/Diabetes |
| Common use | type 2 diabetes |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Glimepiride used for?
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus: improve glycemic control as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
What drug class is Glimepiride?
Glimepiride is a Sulfonylurea in the Endocrine/Diabetes group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Glimepiride
- arrow_rightHypoglycemia
- arrow_rightWeight gain
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightDizziness
Major interactions
- arrow_rightInsulin or other antidiabetic agents ↑ hypoglycemia risk
- arrow_rightBeta-blockers may mask hypoglycemia symptoms
- arrow_rightAlcohol may cause hypoglycemia
- arrow_rightSome azole antifungals, macrolides, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones may ↑ hypoglycemia risk
Is Glimepiride a controlled substance?
No. Glimepiride is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Glimepiride (PTCE mnemonic)
AMARYL = 'A-merry-LOW' — gli-MEPIRIDE is a sulfonylurea (pushes insulin). HYPOglycemia (esp. elderly/renal), weight gain; sulfa allergy crossover.
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PTCE exam tip
Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea — like glipizide it can cause hypoglycemia (unlike metformin). Take it with breakfast.
Glimepiride FAQ
What is Glimepiride used for?
Glimepiride is used to treat type 2 diabetes. • Type 2 diabetes mellitus: improve glycemic control as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
What drug class is Glimepiride?
Glimepiride is a Sulfonylurea (Endocrine/Diabetes group).
Is Glimepiride a controlled substance?
No. Glimepiride is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Endocrine/Diabetes group
Drill Glimepiride the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).