Gliclazide

• Gliclazide is used to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

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

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)

Other General Warnings

• 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

How Does It Work?

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.

• 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

Overdose

Missed a Dose