Description
Generic
Gliclazide
Indications
Patients with maturity-onset diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) who require an oral hypoglycaemic medication should use gliclazide.
Pharmacology
Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea of the second generation with hypoglycemic and perhaps hematological effects. It reduces hepatic glucose output while stimulating insulin release from pancreatic -cells by promoting Ca+2 transport across the -cell membranes.
Dosage & Administration
Film-coated tablet: The usual initial dose is 40 to 80 mg daily. The dose can be increased up to 320 mg daily in divided doses when needed. The drug should be taken before meal. For children, Gliclazide is not used because it is contraindicated in juvenile-onset diabetes.
Modified release preparation: Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The dose is determined by the doctor, depending on your blood and possibly urine sugar levels. Change in external factors (weight reduction, lifestyle, stress) or improvements in the blood sugar control may require changed gliclazide doses.
The recommended daily dose is one to four tablets (maximum 120 mg) in a single intake at breakfast time. This depends on the response to treatment. Gliclazide MR tablet is for oral use. Take your tablet(s) with a glass of water at breakfast time (and preferably at the same time each day). Swallow your whole tablet(s) in one piece. Do not chew or crush. You must always eat a meal after taking your tablet(s).
If a combination therapy of gliclazide with metformin, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, a thiazolidinedione, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor a GLP-1 receptor agonist or insulin is initiated your doctor will determine the proper dose of each medicine individually for you. If you notice that your blood sugar levels are high although you are taking the medicine as prescribed, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more Gliclazide tablets than you should: If you take too many tablets, contact your doctor or the nearest hospital Accident & Emergency department immediately. The signs of overdose are those of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). The symptoms can be helped by taking sugar (4 to 6 lumps) or sugary drinks straight away, followed by a substantial snack or meal. If the patient is unconscious immediately inform a doctor and call the emergency services. The same should be done if somebody, (for instance a child), has taken the product unintentionally. Unconscious patients must not be given food or drink. It should be ensured that there is always a pre-informed person that can call a doctor in case of emergency.
If you forget to take Gliclazide tablet: It is important to take your medicine every day as regular treatment works better. However, if you forget to take a dose of Gliclazide MR tablet, take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop taking Gliclazide MR tablet: As the treatment for diabetes is usually lifelong, you should discuss with your doctor before stopping this medicinal product. Stopping could cause high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) which increases the risk of developing complications of diabetes. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Interaction
The hypoglycaemic effects of Gliclazide may be increased by Aspirin, NSAIDs, Phenylbutazone, Clofibrate, Sulfonamide, Cimetidine, Imidazole antifungal agents and Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors. The hypoglycaemic effect of Gliclazide some times may be reduced by Rifampin, Barbiturates, Phenytoin, Thiazide diuretics, Diazoxide, Glucocorticoids, Estrogens, Sympathomimetic drugs and occasionally Alcohol.
Contraindications
- Gliclazide should not be used in –
- Juvenile-onset (type-1) diabetes
- Diabetes associated with Ketosis
- Diabetic patients undergoing surgery, after severe injury or during infection
- Patients having hypersensitivity for sulfonylurea group of drugs
- Pregnant women and breast-feeding mother
- Hepatic insufficiency
Side Effects
There may be hypoglycaemia in concurrent conditions such as hepatic and renal disease, malnutrition, alcohol intoxication. Sometimes headache, gastrointestinal upsets, nausea, dizziness, skin reactions including rash, pruritus, erythema may occur.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnant women should avoid taking gliclazide. It should not be used by a mother who is breastfeeding.
Precautions & Warnings
Low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia) may occur:
- if you take meals irregularly or skip meals altogether,
- if you are fasting
- if you are malnourished
- if you change your diet
- if you increase your physical activity and carbohydrate intake does not match this increase,
- if you drink alcohol, especially in combination with skipped meals,
- if you take other medicines or natural remedies at the same time,
- if you take too high doses of gliclazide,
- if you suffer from particular hormone-induced disorders (functional disorders of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland or adrenal cortex),
- if your kidney function or liver function is severely decreased.
Therapeutic Class
Sulfonylureas
Storage Conditions
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the blister. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store below 30°C. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Pharmaceutical Name
Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.