Gliclazide
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
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.
