Gliclazide
Information about Gliclazide
Gliclazide uses
Gliclazide is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is used in addition to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
How gliclazide works
Gliclazide is an anti-diabetic medication. It works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in order to lower the blood glucose.
Common side effects of gliclazide
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), Nausea, Headache, Dizziness
Available Medicine for Gliclazide
Expert advice for Gliclazide
- Gliclazide helps decrease high blood sugar level and avoid long-term complications of diabetes.
- Take it shortly before or with the first main meal of the day (usually breakfast). Avoid skipping meals.
- Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and take your other diabetes medicines (if prescribed) alongside.
- Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while you are taking this medicine.
- Be careful while driving or operating machinery until you know how Gliclazide affects you.
- It can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
- Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemic symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor, and anxiety.
- Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
Frequently asked questions for Gliclazide
Gliclazide
Q. Is Gliclazide useful in the management for prediabetes?
Gliclazide is not used for the management of Prediabetes, a condition with blood glucose levels higher than normal but not high enough to label you as diabetic. There are clinical studies available, but the evidence is not strong enough for its use in prediabetes.
Q. Can I skip Gliclazide for a few days?
No, Gliclazide should not be skipped as it can make your diabetes worse. If you miss the dose by mistake, take it as soon as you remember.
Q. Can Gliclazide be given to elderly patients?
Yes, Gliclazide can be given to elderly patients. However, since they are more prone to the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), a regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important. Patients should be cautious of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and always keep a quick source of sugar with them like a candy or a fruit juice.
Q. Can I take Gliclazide if I am allergic to sulfa?
No, the use of Gliclazide should be avoided if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to sulfonylureas or sulfonamides. Avoid it if you are allergic to any of the other ingredients of this medicine as well.
Q. Does Gliclazide cause weight gain?
Yes, Gliclazide can cause weight gain. It is advisable to closely monitor your diet and do regular exercise while taking this medicine. Avoid skipping your meal as it can cause very low blood sugar levels.