Gliclazide

Molecule Description

Gliclazide belongs to a group of medicines called oral antidiabetic medicine. I

t is a blood sugar lowering medicine used in diabetes mellitus when it is not controlled by diet, exercise, and weight loss alone.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Gliclazide

Gliclazide is used to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Contraindications of Gliclazide

When should one not use Gliclazide

If you have an allergy to Gliclazide or other Sulfonylureas
If you have Type1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (ketone bodies and sugar in your urine)
If you are suffering from severe kidney or liver disease
If you are pregnant and breastfeeding

Side effects of Gliclazide

Common side effects of this drug are:

May lead to low blood glucose levels causing fainting, sweating, and giddiness(see other warnings)
Headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, and anemia are also seen
Allergic skin reactions like rash redness, hives
Rapid swelling eyelids, face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty (angioedema)

Precautions and Warnings of Gliclazide

Pregnancy

Can I take Gliclazide during pregnancy?

This medicine should not be taken during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Gliclazide while breastfeeding?

You must avoid Gliclazide while you are breastfeeding. Because limited information is available on the use of Gliclazide during breastfeeding, alternative medicine may be preferred. If you are on Gliclazide (prescribed by a physician), then monitor your breastfed baby for signs of low blood glucose levels such as irritability, sleepiness, poor feeding, fits, low body temperature.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Gliclazide?

Gliclazide can cause low blood sugar levels, which can lead to drowsiness, unconsciousness, confusion. These can be dangerous while driving. Keep a juice or chocolate handy in the car, in case you start feeling uneasy, immediately have the juice or chocolate. Please note that the artificial sweeteners do not help. Consult your doctor whether you can drive a car if you have few or no warning signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Gliclazide?

Avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine because an intolerance may occur, resulting in flushing, giddiness, nausea, rapid heart rate. Be cautious not to consume alcohol on an empty stomach. Alcohol increases the risk of low blood sugar.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Liver problems
Kidney problems
Any allergies to sulfa containing medicines
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun's effects. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen when outdoors. Inform your doctor if you become ...
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You have low blood sugar levels as Gliclazide can reduce blood glucose, which can cause symptoms like extreme hunger, headache, nausea, vomiting, sluggishness, sleepiness, restlessness, aggression, re...
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Risk factors for low blood glucose levels are missing your meals, excessive exercise, certain medicines, having more dose of Gliclazide than prescribed by your doctor, alcohol consumption, fasting
When taking this medicine have your meals regularly, never miss or skip a meal
Check your blood glucose regularly and HbA1C every six months

Mode of Action of Gliclazide

How Does It Work?

Insulin moves sugar (glucose) from the blood into the cells. The cells then use it as fuel for energy. In Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t utilize insulin properly, so...

Interactions of Gliclazide

Interactions with other medicines

Medicines used to treat fungal infections (Miconazole, Fluconazole)
Medicines used to treat high blood sugar (oral anti-diabetics)
Pain killers or anti-rheumatics, such as Ibuprofen or Phenylbutazone
Medicines used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure (like Captopril or Enalapril)
Antibiotics (like Sulfonamides, Clarithromycin)
Medicines used to treat ulcers in the stomach
Medicines used to treat depression

Interactions with food items

No known interaction.

Dietary Restrictions of Gliclazide

It is advisable to follow a strict diabetic diet and exercise regimen to further improve the overall control of the disease
Excessive exercise should be avoided

Dosage of Gliclazide

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Contact your doctor immediately.

Missed a Dose

Try to take every dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remembere. Do not take the dosage if it is near the time for the next dose; instead, skip the missed dose and c...

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD CCEBDM Diabetology

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

References

Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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