Generic

Indications

Patients with maturity-onset diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) who require an oral hypoglycaemic drug should take gliclazide.

Pharmacology

Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea of the second generation with hypoglycemic and potentially hematological properties. It reduces hepatic glucose output while stimulating insulin release from pancreatic -cells by facilitating Ca+2 transport across the -cell membranes.

Administration & Dosage

Film coated tablet: The usual initial dose is 40 to 80 mg daily. The dose can be increased upto 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: The usual daily dosage for Gliclazide 30 mg is 1 to 4 tablets & Gliclazide 60 mg is 1 to 2 tablets per day as a single dose. It is recommended that the drug should be taken at breakfast time. It is preferable to take this drug before breakfast in order to avoid or to minimize the possible onset of digestive disorders.

Interaction

Aspirin, NSAIDs, Phenylbutazone, Clofibrate, Sulfonamide, Cimetidine, Imidazole antifungal agents, and Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors may increase Gliclazide’s hypoglycaemic effects. Rifampin, Barbiturates, Phenytoin, Thiazide diuretics, Diazoxide, Glucocorticoids, Estrogens, Sympathomimetic drugs, and Alcohol may reduce the hypoglycaemic effect of Gliclazide..

Contraindications

Gliclazide should not be used in the following conditions:

• Juvenile-onset (type-1) diabetes Diabetes with Ketosis
• Diabetic patients undergoing surgery, recovering from a serious injury, or in the midst of an infection
• Patients who are hypersensitive to the sulfonylurea drug class
• Pregnant women and mothers who are breast-feeding
• Hepatic insufficiency

Side Effect

Hypoglycemia can occur in the presence of other conditions such as hepatic and renal disease, malnutrition, and alcohol intoxication. Headaches, gastrointestinal upsets, nausea, dizziness, and skin reactions such as rash, pruritus, and erythema are all possible side effects.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnant women should avoid taking gliclazide. It should not be used by a mother who is breastfeeding.

Precautions & Warnings

In patients with hepatic impairment, gliclazide should be used with caution. Gliclazide should not be used if there is clear evidence of hepatic disease. Because gliclazide is extensively metabolized, it can be used safely in patients with renal insufficiency. Gliclazide has a lower risk of hypoglycemia than the other sulfonylurea drugs.

Therapeutic Class

Sulfonylureas

Storage Conditions

Protect from light and moisture by storing below 30°C. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.

Pharmaceutical Name