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 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
Q:
Can I take Gliclazide during pregnancy?
A:
This medicine should not be taken during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Gliclazide while breastfeeding?
A:
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
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Gliclazide?
A:
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
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Gliclazide?
A:
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 ill, or you have acquired a severe infection...
- 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, reduced alertness, and reaction time, confusion, shakiness, dizziness. If you have any of these, immediately have sugar or sweet juice...
- 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 the sugar is not able to enter the cells and stays in your bloodstream. Gliclazide increases the amount of insulin released from your pancreas. This insulin then lowers your blood sugar levels....
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 continue your usual dosage schedule. Do not "double-up" the dosage to catch up. Taking double doses can be dangerous as it can cause very low blood glucose level....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
References
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