Gliclazide
Information about Gliclazide
Gliclazide uses
Gliclazide is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
How gliclazide works
is an antidiabetic medication. It works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in order to lower the blood sugar levels.
Common side effects of gliclazide
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), Indigestion, Stomach upset
Content Details
Last updated on:
10 Jan 2020 | 02:47 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Gliclazide
- Take it shortly before or with the first main meal of the day (usually breakfast). Avoid skipping meals.
- 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. What is the best time to take Gliclazide?
Take Gliclazide before meals or exactly as instructed by your doctor. There are evidences stating that Gliclazide works best at controlling post meal high blood sugar levels when taken 30 minutes before breakfast. So, if you are supposed to take it once daily, take it in the morning before breakfast with a glass of water.
Q. Is Gliclazide the same as metformin?
No, Gliclazide is not the same as metformin. Although, both these oral medicines are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the way they work to reduce the sugar levels are different. While Gliclazide acts by increasing the secretion of insulin by the pancreas, metformin acts by improving the functioning and effectiveness of the insulin already available in the body.
Q. Can you take metformin and Gliclazide at the same time?
Yes, Gliclazide and metformin can be taken at the same time but only if prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor may have prescribed taking the two together to control your uncontrolled sugar levels. However, taking the two together may cause low blood sugar which may also occur if you delay or miss a meal, exercise more than usual or take it with insulin. Follow the instructions given by your doctor strictly to avoid such complications.
Q. Is Gliclazide bad for kidneys?
No, Gliclazide is not harmful if your kidney function is normal. Any previous case of kidney problem should be informed to the doctor, so that the use of Gliclazide can be assessed. This is done in order to analyze whether Gliclazide can be given or not because it is principally excreted by the kidney. If you have kidney problems you will be started at lower dose.