Losucon 1

Indications

Losucon is indicated for:

• Type II Diabetes Management: Used alongside diet and exercise to help lower blood glucose levels in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) when lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient.
• Combination Therapy: Can be prescribed with metformin when glucose control remains inadequate with diet and exercise or either medication alone.
• Insulin Augmentation: Suitable for use with insulin in patients whose blood sugar levels cannot be managed through diet, exercise, and oral hypoglycemic agents. Note that using Losucon with insulin may heighten the risk of hypoglycemia.

Always consult a registered healthcare professional before use.

Pharmacology

Glimepiride, the active ingredient in Losucon, is a sulfonylurea that effectively reduces blood glucose levels. It primarily works by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, enhancing their sensitivity to glucose. Additionally, it may reduce liver glucose production and improve peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin. The effects of a single Glimepiride dose can last up to 24 hours.

Dosage

• Initial Dose: The starting dose is typically 1 mg once daily. Dosage adjustments should be based on regular blood glucose monitoring and can be gradually increased (1 mg → 2 mg → 3 mg → 4 mg → 6 mg) at 1-2 week intervals as necessary.
• Maintained Control: Patients with well-controlled diabetes may take between 1 to 4 mg daily.
• Administration: Take Glimepiride before a substantial meal to avoid hypoglycemia. Never skip meals after taking the medication.

Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations.

Interactions

Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, as some may enhance or reduce the hypoglycemic effects of Losucon, including:

• Enhancing Agents: Other antidiabetics, ACE inhibitors, certain antibiotics, and some hormones.
• Reducing Agents: Corticosteroids, diuretics, and some antidepressants may lessen the effectiveness of Losucon.
• Alcohol: Both acute and chronic alcohol consumption can unpredictably affect the medication’s efficacy.

Contraindications

Glimepiride should not be used by individuals:

• With insulin-dependent diabetes (Type I)
• Experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis or coma
• Who are hypersensitive to Glimepiride or related compounds
• With severe liver or kidney dysfunction

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Hypoglycemia: Symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and fatigue.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Visual Disturbances: Temporary changes in vision.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Glimepiride is not recommended during pregnancy. Women planning to conceive or who are pregnant should switch to insulin therapy. Additionally, breastfeeding while taking Glimepiride can be harmful to the infant.

Precautions & Warnings

Monitor blood glucose levels closely, especially in the early treatment stages. If hypoglycemia occurs, immediate carbohydrate intake can quickly reverse the symptoms. Adjust dosages as necessary to avoid low blood sugar levels.

Overdose Effects

Overdosing on sulfonylureas like Losucon can lead to severe hypoglycemia. Mild cases should be treated with oral glucose, while severe reactions require immediate medical attention and possibly intravenous glucose solutions.

Therapeutic Class

Sulfonylureas

Storage Conditions

Store Losucon below 30°C, away from light, and out of reach of children.