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 possibly hematological effects. It reduces hepatic glucose production while stimulating insulin release from pancreatic -cells by promoting 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 upto 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: The usual daily dosage for Gliclazide 30 mg is 1 to 4 tablets & Gliclazide 60 mg is 1 to 2 tablets per day as a single dose. It is recommended that the drug should be taken at breakfast time. It is preferable to take this drug before breakfast in order to avoid or to minimize the possible onset of digestive disorders.

Interaction

Aspirin, NSAIDs, Phenylbutazone, Clofibrate, Sulfonamide, Cimetidine, Imidazole antifungal medications, and Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors may enhance Gliclazide's hypoglycaemic effects. Rifampin, Barbiturates, Phenytoin, Thiazide diuretics, Diazoxide, Glucocorticoids, Estrogens, Sympathomimetic medications, and Alcohol may decrease 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 diseases such as hepatic and renal dysfunction, starvation, and alcohol abuse. Headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, dizziness, and skin responses such as rash, pruritus, and erythema are all possible side effects.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnant women should avoid using gliclazide. It should not be used by a woman who is breastfeeding.

Precautions & Warnings

In individuals with hepatic impairment, gliclazide should be taken with caution. Gliclazide should not be taken if there is clear evidence of liver illness. Because gliclazide is thoroughly metabolized, it can be administered safely in individuals with renal failure. Gliclazide has a lower risk of hypoglycemia than the other sulfonylurea medications.

Therapeutic Class

Sulfonylureas

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C and away from light in a cool, dry area.

Pharmaceutical Name

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.