Glimepiride And Voglibose
Pronunciation: (glye-MEP-i-ride + VOH-gli-bose).
- Generic name
- Glimepiride and Voglibose
- Brand names
- Glyvog, No Health Canada-approved fixed-dose combination, Glimisave-VG, Glyciphage-GV, Voglibose, Voglimet
- Drug class
- Oral Antidiabetic Combination (Sulfonylurea + Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Glimepiride and Voglibose is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Glimepiride and Voglibose works
Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea that stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin by closing ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to cell depolarization and insulin secretion. Voglibose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that delays the breakdown and absorption of complex carbohydrates in the small intestine, reducing postprandial hyperglycemia. This fixed-dose combination is not FDA-approved and is not marketed in the United States; it is marketed as a combination product in India and other Asian markets under various brand names. (2)
What Glimepiride and Voglibose is used for
Type 2 diabetes mellitus — blood glucose control
Used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, typically when a single antidiabetic agent alone has not adequately controlled blood glucose. It combines a sulfonylurea (glimepiride), which increases insulin release from the pancreas, with an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (voglibose), which slows post-meal carbohydrate absorption. It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. (2)
Before taking Glimepiride and Voglibose
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe renal or hepatic impairment, known hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas or voglibose. (Contraindication)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Glimepiride and Voglibose
- General Instructions: Take this medication exactly as prescribed, usually once or twice daily with the first bite of a main meal to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and risk of hypoglycemia.. Adult Dosing: Typical starting dose: Glimepiride 1-2 mg + Voglibose 0.2 mg once daily, adjusted based on blood glucose response. Maximum dose varies by formulation and patient tolerance.. Pediatric Dosing: Not recommended for use in children due to lack of safety and efficacy data.. Administration: Swallow tablets whole with water, preferably at the start of a meal. Do not crush or chew.. When To Stop: If you develop severe allergic reactions, persistent hypoglycemia, or signs of liver dysfunction, seek medical advice promptly — let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop this medicine.. Storage: Store at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with food. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose—do not double up. Never take two doses at once.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe hypoglycemia (confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness) and gastrointestinal distress. Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment may require intravenous glucose and supportive care. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Incidence: Common
Dizziness, headache, and asthenia (weakness)
Incidence: Common
Gastrointestinal effects: diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal discomfort/bloating, nausea
Incidence: Common
Signs of severe hypoglycemia (confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness), signs of liver dysfunction, or a severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Serious warnings
Increased risk of cardiovascular mortality with sulfonylureas — serious
Symptoms: Increased risk of cardiovascular mortality with sulfonylureas: FDA labeling for glimepiride (the sulfonylurea component of this combination) carries a significant, prominently labeled warning — based on the University Group Diabetes Program (UGDP) study — that oral sulfonylurea antidiabetic drugs have been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality compared with diet alone or diet plus insulin. Patients should discuss this risk, and the alternatives available, with the clinician managing their diabetes care.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
May cause hypoglycemia, especially if meals are missed or with excessive exercise — serious
Symptoms: May cause hypoglycemia, especially if meals are missed or with excessive exercise. Not recommended in severe renal or hepatic impairment. Monitor blood glucose regularly. May mask symptoms of hypoglycemia in elderly or those taking beta-blockers. Not for use in type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database, refined against product labeling — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database, refined against product labeling: contraindicated in type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe renal or hepatic impairment, and known hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas, sulfonamide derivatives, or voglibose (reported hypersensitivity reactions to glimepiride/sulfonylureas include anaphylaxis, angioedema, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Voglibose is additionally contraindicated in inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal obstruction or predisposition to obstruction, and colonic ulceration. Use with caution in elderly, malnourished, or those with adrenal/pituitary insufficiency due to increased hypoglycemia risk.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Glimepiride + Voglibose may interact with other antidiabetic agents, beta-blockers (may mask hypoglycemia), corticosteroids, diuretics, and certain antibiotics. Alcohol can potentiate hypoglycemia. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking. |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Not generally recommended: available monographs describe voglibose as contraindicated/not recommended in pregnancy, and sulfonylureas such as glimepiride are generally avoided during pregnancy because insulin is the preferred agent for glycemic control. Do not stop or start this medicine in pregnancy on your own — seek advice from the clinician managing your pregnancy and diabetes care. (2)
Breastfeeding
Not generally recommended during breastfeeding per available monographs for both components; seek advice from your healthcare provider, who can weigh the benefits and risks and discuss alternative options. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (2)
Renal_impairment
Not recommended in severe renal or hepatic impairment (per the clinician-authored database record). Elderly patients and those with renal impairment are typically started at the lower end of the glimepiride dosing range per product labeling. Discuss any kidney or liver condition with the prescribing clinician before use. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Not recommended in severe renal or hepatic impairment (per the clinician-authored database record). Elderly patients and those with renal impairment are typically started at the lower end of the glimepiride dosing range per product labeling. Discuss any kidney or liver condition with the prescribing clinician before use. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Recorded indication
Dose summary: 1 mg Glimepiride + 0.2 mg Voglibose taken orally once daily before the first meal; glimepiride starting doses of 1-2 mg once daily are typical, titrated to response, with a maximum recommended glimepiride dose of 8 mg once daily per FDA labeling. Voglibose is typically dosed up to 0.2 mg three times daily before meals (maximum ~0.6 mg/day) per independent voglibose monographs.
Renal context: Not recommended in severe renal impairment (clinician database record). FDA glimepiride labeling directs that patients with renal impairment be started at the lowest dose (1 mg once daily) and titrated cautiously, reflecting increased hypoglycemia risk with reduced renal clearance. No fixed-dose combination product has an FDA/EMA-approved renal-dosing table; dose adjustment in renal impairment should be individualized by the prescriber. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is Glimepiride + Voglibose used for?
It is used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when diet, exercise, and single-agent therapy are not enough.
How does Glimepiride + Voglibose work?
Glimepiride increases insulin release from the pancreas, while voglibose slows carbohydrate absorption in the gut, helping to lower blood sugar after meals.
Can I take Glimepiride + Voglibose if I have kidney or liver problems?
This combination should be used with caution or avoided in severe kidney or liver impairment. Always consult your doctor before use.
What should I do if I experience hypoglycemia?
Consume a fast-acting carbohydrate (such as glucose tablets or juice) and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Is Glimepiride + Voglibose safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by your doctor.
Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication?
Alcohol can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and should be avoided or used with caution.
What regular monitoring is needed while on Glimepiride + Voglibose?
Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential. Your doctor may also check your liver and kidney function periodically.
What happens if I take too much Glimepiride + Voglibose?
Taking too much Glimepiride + Voglibose can lead to severe hypoglycemia, characterized by symptoms like dizziness, confusion, sweating, and tremors. In extreme cases, it can cause seizures or loss of consciousness. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat severe hypoglycemia.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Glimepiride + Voglibose?
It is generally advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Glimepiride + Voglibose. Alcohol can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when combined with sulfonylureas like Glimepiride. It can also interfere with blood sugar control and mask the symptoms of low blood sugar. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Glimepiride + Voglibose safe during pregnancy?
Glimepiride + Voglibose is not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary and under strict medical supervision. It falls under a pregnancy category that suggests potential risks. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, to discuss alternative treatment options and assess the potential risks and benefits.
What is the mechanism of action of Glimepiride and Voglibose?
Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea that stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin by closing ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to cell depolarization and insulin secretion. Voglibose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that delays the breakdown and absorption of complex carbohydrates in the small intestine, reducing postprandial hyperglycemia. This fixed-dose combination is not FDA-approved and is not marketed in the United States; it is marketed as a combination product in India and other Asian markets under various brand names. (2)
What is the generic name of Glimepiride And Voglibose?
The generic name is Glimepiride and Voglibose. It is sold under brand names including Glyvog, No Health Canada-approved fixed-dose combination, Glimisave-VG, Glyciphage-GV, Voglibose, Voglimet.
What class of drug is Glimepiride and Voglibose?
Glimepiride And Voglibose is classed as: Oral Antidiabetic Combination (Sulfonylurea + Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor).
References
- Glimepiride + Voglibose — Clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global (internal) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- GLIMEPIRIDE tablet — prescribing information (DailyMed)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Voglibose consumer drug informationApollo Pharmacy / 1mg / Medindia · India (aggregator) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 3
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Glimepiride and Voglibose names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.