Gliclazide

Gliclazide

Gliclazide, a medication from the sulfonylurea family, helps control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Gliclazide's mechanism of action targets both defective insulin secretion and peripheral insulin resistance in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organisation's List of Essential Medicines includes this important drug.

Research reveals that gliclazide tablets outperform similar medications in diabetes management. Studies show a much greater HbA1c reduction compared to other oral insulinotropic agents. The medication helps prevent diabetic retinopathy progression and controls blood glucose levels. 
This article covers everything about gliclazide uses, proper administration, what it all means, and how it works to manage diabetes effectively.

What is Gliclazide?

This hypoglycaemic medicine belongs to the sulfonylurea family that makes the pancreas's beta cells release more insulin. Gliclazide lowers blood glucose and has unique haemovascular properties that reduce microthrombosis while improving fibrinolytic activity. These dual benefits make it a valuable option for diabetes management. 

Gliclazide tablet Uses

Doctors prescribe this medication when diet, exercise, and weight loss fail to control type 2 diabetes. Patients over 60 years respond well to this treatment, either as a standalone therapy when metformin causes issues or combined with other antidiabetics. According to research, the combination of gliclazide with metformin works exceptionally well in controlling glycemic levels.

How and When to Use Gliclazide Tablet

• The best time to take gliclazide tablets is right before meals, ideally 30 minutes before breakfast for once-daily doses. 
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, do not chew or crush it.
• Patients must not skip meals after taking the medication. Skipping a meal might cause hypoglycemia.
• Always take the medicine at the same time each day.

Side Effects of Gliclazide Tablet

Common side effects:

• Hypoglycaemia 
• Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea)
• Dizziness and headache
• Increased hunger
• Shaking or trembling hands
• Back pain 
• Weight gain (with long use)

Serious side effects:

• Allergic reactions
• Skin reactions such as rash or itching
• Liver problems

Precautions

Patients should avoid gliclazide during pregnancy, with severe kidney/liver problems, or while taking miconazole. Regular carbohydrate consumption matters because hypoglycaemia risks increase during fasting, after exercise, or with alcohol consumption.

How Gliclazide Tablet Works

Gliclazide stands out from other medications because it improves the abnormal first phase insulin response in type 2 diabetes. It brings back the original peak and enhances the second phase too. This release pattern helps patients experience fewer hypoglycaemic episodes. The medication reduces liver glucose production and helps boost glucose clearance. It also provides great haemovascular benefits by decreasing platelet aggregation & increasing fibrinolysis.

Can I Take Gliclazide with Other Medicines

Several medicines can affect gliclazide's function. These include:

• Avoid combining with: Miconazole, phenylbutazone, alcohol
• Use cautiously with: Beta-blockers, fluconazole, ACE inhibitors, anti-inflammatories, clarithromycin
• Monitor closely with: Other diabetes medicines, blood thinners like warfarin

Dosage Information

New patients usually start with 40-80mg daily. The dose increases until proper control is achieved. Standard tablets have a maximum daily dose of 320mg. Doses above 160mg should be split into two equal amounts. Slow-release formulations should not exceed 120mg daily. Treatment continues long-term unless the medication stops working effectively.

Conclusion

Gliclazide has emerged as a powerful medication that manages Type 2 diabetes by targeting both insulin secretion and resistance. This sulfonylurea drug has proven more effective than similar treatments over decades of medical use. Patients see better HbA1c numbers and their eyes stay protected from diabetic retinopathy while they keep their blood glucose in check.

Gliclazide's specific binding to pancreatic β-cells sets it apart from other diabetes medications. This targeted approach fixes the abnormal first phase insulin response, which leads to fewer hypoglycaemia episodes. On top of that, it works great with metformin - about 8 in 10 patients achieve good glycemic control by taking just a few tablets.

People with Type 2 diabetes can use gliclazide alone or among other treatments as an effective way to control blood sugar and prevent serious complications long-term. Good diabetes management depends on combining medication with healthy lifestyle choices.

FAQs

1. Is gliclazide high risk?

Gliclazide works well but needs careful monitoring. Studies reveal that many patients had the most important drops in blood sugar during continuous glucose monitoring, and the majority of these episodes happened at night. All the same, patients on gliclazide experience fewer low blood sugar episodes compared to those on glimepiride.

2. How long does gliclazide take to work?

Blood sugar levels start dropping within hours after taking gliclazide. The medicine needs several weeks of regular use to reach its full effect.

3. What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose once you remember it, but only if it's at least 12 hours before your next scheduled dose. Your body won't benefit from doubling up on doses to make up for a missed tablet.

4. What happens if I overdose?

An overdose can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar. You might experience agitation, anxiety, tremors, confusion, sweating, and possibly fall into a coma. Immediately contact your doctor. Treatment usually includes glucose administration and sometimes activated charcoal.

5. Who cannot take gliclazide?

The medication isn't right for people with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women, patients with severe kidney or liver disease, those with G6PD-deficiency, or porphyria.

6. When should I take gliclazide?

The best time to take a single daily dose is right before breakfast. If you're on two doses per day, take them before breakfast and dinner.

7. How many days to take gliclazide?

You'll need gliclazide treatment for the long term. Managing diabetes usually needs ongoing medication unless your doctor says otherwise. Studies show the medication works safely for extended periods with proper medical oversight.

8. When to stop gliclazide?

Your body needs time to adjust, so never stop gliclazide suddenly because this could lead to dangerous rebound hyperglycemia. The dose should taper down over 1-2 weeks under your doctor's guidance. Your doctor might switch your medication if it doesn't control your blood sugar well enough.

9. Is it safe to take gliclazide daily?

Yes, daily use over the long term works well, but you need regular checks of your blood sugar levels and kidney function. Research shows no harm to your pancreas or overall health from extended use.

10. What is the best time to take gliclazide?

Take gliclazide 30 minutes before breakfast to get the best results. Research confirms this timing helps your insulin response and manages after-meal blood sugar better than taking it right before or after eating.

11. What to avoid when taking gliclazide?

Avoid:

• Alcohol – raises your risk of low blood sugar
• Foods with karela – might lower blood sugar too much
• Skipping meals – increases risk of low blood sugar
• St. John's wort – could change how your body handles the medication

12. What is the difference between gliclazide and metformin?

These medications help in different ways. Gliclazide tells your pancreas to release insulin, while metformin helps your body use insulin better. Metformin lowers fasting insulin levels after three months, but gliclazide increases them slightly. Metformin often causes stomach issues and might help with weight loss.

13. Why is gliclazide taken at night?

Taking it in the evening helps control your morning blood sugar levels. The medication works through the night when taken with your evening meal. This timing helps patients who don't deal very well with high morning blood sugar or dawn phenomenon.

14. Can gliclazide cause weight gain?

Yes, you might gain weight. The medication releases more insulin, which can store more fat. Patients typically gain 1-4kg in the first six months. A good exercise routine and healthy diet can help manage this side effect.