Generic name: Gliclazide

Brand name:
Oral hypoglycemic agent
Mechanism: Gliclazide selectively binds to sulfonylurea receptors (SUR-1 on the
surface of the pancreatic beta-cells! "t #as sho#n to provide cardiovascular
protection as it does not bind to sulfonylurea receptors (SUR-$% in the heart! &his
binding e'ectively closes the () ion channels! &his decreases the e*u+ of
potassium from the cell #hich leads to the depolarization of the cell! &his causes
voltage dependent ,a)) ion channels to open increasing the ,a)) in-u+! &he
calcium can then bind to and activate calmodulin #hich in turn leads to e+ocystosis
of insulin vesicles leading to insulin release!
Indications: gliclazide-responsive diabetes mellitus of stable. mild. non-
/etosis prone. type $ diabetes
Contraindications:
&ype 1 diabetes
0ypersensitivity to sulfonylureas
Severe renal or hepatic failure
1regnancy and lactation
2iconazole coprescription
Dosage: &he dosage for the 34 mg formulation is 54 to 6$4 mg daily in t#o divided
doses. #hile the 64 mg and 74 mg modi8ed release formulation may be given at a
dose of 64 to 1$4 mg once daily at brea/fast!
ADR:
0ypoglycemia - #hile it #as proven to have the same e9cacy as glimepiride.
one of the ne#er sulfonylureas. the :uropean GU";: study has sho#n that
it has appro+imately <4= fe#er con8rmed hypoglycaemic episodes in
comparison #ith glimepiride!
Gastrointestinal disturbance (reported
S/in reactions (rare
0ematological disorders (rare
0epatic enzyme rises (e+ceptional
USES: This medication is used in conjunction with diet and exercise regimens to control high blood
sugar in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart
disease, strokes,kidney disease, circulation problems, and blindness.
HOW TO USE: This is best taken with meals. Try to take this medication at the same time(s) each
day.
SIDE EFFECTS: ausea, stomach upset or diarrhea may occur as your body adjusts to the
medication. !" any o" these e""ects continue or become bothersome, in"orm your doctor. oti"y your
doctor i" you develop a skinrash, itching, easy bruising or bleeding, "ever, weakness, trembling or
chills while taking this medication. This medication may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which
mani"ests as di##iness, weakness, drowsiness,headache, sweating, nervousness, shaking, tingling
o" the hands or "eet, hunger, "ast heartbeat. $hould these symptoms occur, drink a glass o" orange
juice or non-diet soda or eat a piece o" candy to raise your blood sugar level %uickly. &eport the
incident to your doctor. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not
skip meals. $ymptoms o" high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include con"usion, drowsiness, "lushing,
rapid breathing or "ruity breath odor. oti"y your doctor i" you experience any o" these symptoms. !"
you notice other e""ects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor i" you have' liver problems, kidney problems, any allergies. This
medication may make you more sensitive to the sun(s e""ects. )void prolonged sun exposure. *ear
protective clothing and use an e""ective sunscreen when outdoors. oti"y your doctor i" you become
ill, are injured or ac%uire a severe in"ection. This medication is not recommended "or use
during pregnancy and should be used only i" clearly needed while breast-"eeding. +iscuss the risks
and bene"its with your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor o" any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may
take, including' sul"onamide antibiotics, blood thinners, antidepressants, aspirin, propranolol,
ri"ampin, phenylbuta#one, disopyramide, probenecid, clo"ibrate, water pills, steroids, oral
contraceptives, cimetidine. )void ingestion o" alcohol while taking this drug because an intolerance
may occur resulting in "lushing, giddiness, nausea, rapid heart rate. +o not start or stop any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: !" overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. ,$ residents can call the ,$ national poison hotline at --.//-000--000. Canadian
residents should call their local poison control center directly. $ymptoms o" overdose may include
headache, sweating, shakiness, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, tiredness,
sei#ures, and loss o" consciousness.
NOTES: +o not share this medication with others. !t is recommended you attend a diabetes
education program to understand diabetes and all important aspects o" its treatment including
meals1diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications and getting regular eye, "oot, and medical
exams. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. 2eep all medical appointments. 3aboratory and1or
medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney "unction tests, "asting blood glucose, hemoglobin )-c, complete
blood counts) will be per"ormed to monitor "or side e""ects and response to therapy. &egularly check
your blood or urine "or sugar, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. !" you miss a dose, take it as soon as
remembered4 do not take it i" it is near the time "or the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. +o not 5double-up5 the dose to catch up.