Gliclazide

Antidiabetic Drug

Drug class: Sulfonylureas

Gliclazide (DIAMICRON)（中文：格列齊特）

Pronunciation

Gliclazide 30mg

Gliclazide 80mg

Common Strengths of Gliclazide Tablet

• 30 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg tablets
• 30 mg, 60 mg modified-release tablets

Drug Trade Names of Gliclazide Tablet

• Diamicron

Drug Usage

To treat type 2 diabetes mellitus

Mechanism of Action

Gliclazide stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells by binding to sulfonylurea receptors. This increases insulin release to lower blood glucose levels.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosages

• Starting dose: 30 - 80 mg daily, maximum 320 mg daily
• Hypertension/heart failure: No specific dose adjustments
• Diabetic kidney disease: Use with caution, may need dose reduction

Side Effects

Frequency	Adverse reactions
Common	Hypoglycemia
	Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, constipation)
	Headache
Uncommon	Skin reactions
	Liver enzyme elevations
	Blood dyscrasias
	Hepatitis

The main symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include:

• Feel hungry
• Weakness and dizziness
• Feeling anxious or irritable
• Sweating and chills
• Tremble
• Tingling of lips
• Palpitations
• Vision changes, such as blurred vision
• Confused

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption
  • Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract. Peak plasma levels are reached in 4 - 6 hours for immediate-release tablets. For modified-release (MR) formulations, peak plasma levels are reached in approximately 6 hours.
• Metabolism
  • Extensively metabolized in the liver
• Elimination
  • Mainly in urine (60 - 70%) and feces (10 - 20%)
• Half-life
  • 10 to 12 hours

The duration of action for immediate-release gliclazide tablets is 12 to 18 hours. Modified-release formulations can have a duration of action up to 24 hours.

Drug Precautions

Pregnancy

Contraindicated, switch to insulin.

Breastfeeding

Not recommended.

Children and elderly:

• Not recommended in children.
• Use with caution in elderly due to increased risk of hypoglycemia.

Renal impairment

Use with caution, may need dose reduction.

Monitoring requirements

• Regular blood glucose monitoring
• HbA1c levels
• Renal and liver function tests

Drug interactions

• Increased hypoglycemic effect with: alcohol, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors
• Decreased effect with: corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics

FAQ

How Should I Take the Tablet?

Take with first main meal of the day

What Should I Avoid While Taking?

Alcohol, skipping meals

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Take as soon as remembered if within a few hours, otherwise skip and take next scheduled dose. Do not double dose.