What is Gliclazide?
The medication named Gliclazide (also known as Sandoz Gliclazide with Gliclazide being its generic name), belongs to the hypoglycemic family of medications used to treat people with type 2 diabetes.
Specifically, Gliclazide belongs to the subfamily of drugs called sulfonylureas. You may know Gliclazide as Diamicron, which is one of the brand names under which this medication is sold. It contains exactly the same ingredients as generic named Gliclazide.
The main indicated use for Gliclazide prescriptions is to help regulate the blood sugar in your body. If you’d like to learn more about Gliclazide, you can click here to explore more product information.
How does Gliclazide work?
Gliclazide medications work by helping to regulate the release of insulin within your body, which in turn, helps keep your blood sugar levels at safe, stable levels.
These modified-release Gliclazide tablets don’t get absorbed into your body immediately. Rather, they’re absorbed over the course of time between Glicalazide doses, allowing for your body to maintain a stable amount of the medication in your system throughout your treatments.
What is Gliclazide used to treat?
If you’ve been wondering “what is Gliclazide used for?”, prescription Gliclazide medications are used to treat hyperglycemia in people that have type 2 diabetes and are unable to control their blood sugar levels using diet or exercise alone.
It may also be used as an alternative treatment method for people who are unable to use insulin therapy.
How do you take Gliclazide?
How long does Gliclazide last after you take it?
Gliclazide medications will last in your system for approximately 12-20 hours, depending on a number of factors, such as your dosage, age, metabolic rate, blood sugar levels, etc.
This is why it’s important that if you miss taking your Gliclazide dosage, that you do not take that dose for the day. Rather, you should take your next Gliclazide dosage at the regular time the following day.
‍SIDE NOTE: Never take more than 120 mg of Gliclazide within a 24 hour period, as it could lead to dangerous side effects.
What are the common side effects of Gliclazide?
Not everyone will experience side effects while using Gliclazide, but some of the potential side effects of Gliclazide include:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Low blood sugar
- High blood sugar
- Viral or upper respiratory infections
- Back, muscle, or joint pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Itching
- Leg swelling
- Chest pain (angina)
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- High blood pressure
- Skin rash
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Urinary tract infections
If you start to experience any of these negative side effects of Gliclazide, let your practitioner know, as they may be able to suggest an alternative prescription to Gliclazide, or a dosage change that doesn’t cause you as many side effects.
Who shouldn't take Gliclazide?
There are a number of different patients that shouldn’t use Gliclazide, as it could have negative consequences, including:
- Patients under the age of 18
- Patients who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed
- Patients who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Gliclazide
- Patients with unstable and/or insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes
- Patients with severe kidney problems
- Patients with severe liver problems
- Patients who have a series injury, trauma, or recent/upcoming surgery
- Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKS)
- Patients with diabetic pre-coma or coma
- Patients taking the medication miconazole (used for treating fungal or yeast infections)
In addition to these people, there are some other conditions to be mindful of that may cause negative interactions with Gliclazide dosages. These include if you:
- Have or have had liver problems
- Have or have had kidney problems
- Have a blood disease that’s called G6PD-deficiency anemia
- Are lactose intolerance (this medication contains lactose)
- Have a condition called porphyria
In these situations, your practitioner may be able to suggest alternative medications to Gliclazide. This way, you can avoid potential negative interactions with your Gliclazide prescription during your course of treatment.
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