Diapro

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 increases insulin release from pancreatic -cells and lowers hepatic glucose output by boosting 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

Aspirin, NSAIDs, Phenylbutazone, Clofibrate, Sulfonamide, Cimetidine, Imidazole antifungal medications, and Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors may exacerbate Gliclazide's hypoglycaemic effects. Rifampin, Barbiturates, Phenytoin, Thiazide diuretics, Diazoxide, Glucocorticoids, Estrogens, Sympathomimetic medications, and Alcohol may diminish the hypoglycaemic impact of Gliclazide.

 

Contraindications

• Gliclazide should not be used in the following conditions: Juvenile-onset (type-1) diabetes Diabetes with Ketosis
• Diabetic individuals having surgery, recovering from a serious accident, or in the midst of an infection
• Patients who are hypersensitive to the sulfonylurea medication class
• Pregnant ladies and mothers who are breast-feeding
• Hepatic insufficiency is a condition in which the liver is unable to function properly.

 

Side Effects

Hypoglycemia can occur in the presence of other illnesses such as hepatic and renal dysfunction, starvation, and alcohol consumption. Headaches, gastrointestinal problems, 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 administered with caution. Gliclazide should not be used if there is clear evidence of liver illness. Because gliclazide is thoroughly metabolized, it can be taken safely in patients with renal failure. Gliclazide has a lower risk of hypoglycemia than the other sulfonylurea medications.

 

Therapeutic Class

Sulfonylureas

 

Storage Conditions

Protect from light and moisture by storing in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Keep out of children's reach.

 

Pharmaceutical Name

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.