medEasyMedEasy
Englishবাংলা
Generic medicine

Gliclazide: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Gliclazide is an established, guideline-supported oral antidiabetic medicine indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and more.

About Gliclazide

Indications of Gliclazide

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Gliclazide is an established, guideline-supported oral antidiabetic medicine indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, used as an adjunct to diet and exercise when these measures alone do not adequately control blood glucose. Gliclazide is approved and marketed in numerous countries, including Bangladesh, as monotherapy, and Gliclazide is also commonly used in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents (such as metformin, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, or DPP-4 inhibitors) or with insulin, when glycemic control is not achieved with a single agent.

Combination Therapy

When type 2 diabetes is not adequately controlled on metformin or another single agent alone, Gliclazide may be added as a second-line agent, consistent with international treatment guidelines; combination use of Gliclazide with other antidiabetic drugs requires the addition of that second agent, and this goal is not achieved by Gliclazide alone.

Dosage & Administration of Gliclazide

The dose of Gliclazide is individualized for each patient based on blood glucose response, and must be determined by a qualified healthcare professional. Gliclazide is available as conventional (immediate-release) tablets, taken once or twice daily, and as modified-release (MR) tablets, taken once daily. The lowest effective dose of Gliclazide should be used, with gradual titration guided by regular blood glucose monitoring.

Side Effects of Gliclazide

Common Side Effects

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) - the most frequent and clinically important side effect of Gliclazide; see Precautions and Warnings.
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Mild, transient visual disturbances related to changes in blood glucose levels, especially at the start of treatment with Gliclazide.

Less Common / Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)

  • Skin reactions such as rash, itching, or hives caused by Gliclazide; rarely, severe reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or angioedema.
  • Blood disorders (rare) associated with Gliclazide, including low white blood cell count, low platelet count, anemia, or pancytopenia, which may present as unusual bruising, bleeding, infections, or fatigue.
  • Liver problems (rare) associated with Gliclazide, including raised liver enzymes, cholestatic jaundice, or hepatitis, which may present as yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness.
  • Weight gain associated with Gliclazide.

Contraindications of Gliclazide

Gliclazide is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Gliclazide, other sulfonylureas, or sulfonamide-derived drugs.
  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic pre-coma, or diabetic coma.
  • Severe hepatic impairment.
  • Severe renal impairment.
  • Concurrent use of systemic miconazole (including oral gel).
  • Breastfeeding (see Pregnancy and Lactation).

Frequently Asked Questions about Gliclazide

What is Gliclazide used for?

Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea medicine used to help control blood glucose (blood sugar) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Gliclazide is used together with diet and exercise, either alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medicines, when diet and exercise alone are not enough to control blood glucose.

How should I take Gliclazide?

Gliclazide should be taken with or shortly before a meal, usually breakfast, at about the same time each day. Modified-release (MR) tablets of Gliclazide should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed. Never skip a meal after taking Gliclazide, as this increases the risk of hypoglycemia.

What is the most important side effect of Gliclazide?

The most important and common side effect of Gliclazide is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause sweating, shakiness, hunger, confusion, and, if severe, seizures or loss of consciousness. Risk of hypoglycemia with Gliclazide is higher with missed meals, alcohol use, exercise, or in elderly or kidney-impaired patients. Always carry a fast-acting source of sugar when taking Gliclazide, and seek medical attention for severe or persistent symptoms.

Can Gliclazide be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Gliclazide is generally not recommended during pregnancy; insulin is usually preferred to control blood glucose in pregnant women, and Gliclazide should be used only if clearly needed and no suitable alternative is available, under close medical supervision. Gliclazide is also not recommended during breastfeeding because of the risk of low blood sugar in the nursing infant. Speak with your doctor before using Gliclazide if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

What medicines interact with Gliclazide?

Gliclazide should not be combined with systemic miconazole, as this can cause severe hypoglycemia. Other medicines that can increase the blood-glucose-lowering effect or hypoglycemia risk of Gliclazide include other azole antifungals, alcohol, beta-blockers, NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, and other antidiabetic medicines or insulin. Some medicines, such as corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, and danazol, can raise blood glucose and reduce the effectiveness of Gliclazide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take before starting Gliclazide.

What should I do if I think I have taken too much Gliclazide?

An overdose of Gliclazide can cause severe and prolonged hypoglycemia. If you or someone else may have taken too much Gliclazide and is conscious, give sugar or a sugary drink immediately and seek emergency medical attention right away, as hospital monitoring and treatment with intravenous glucose may be needed after a Gliclazide overdose, sometimes for 24 hours or more.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

DoctorBlogArticles