gliclazide at a glance
Medicine class
Sulfonylurea glucose-lowering medicine.
Main use
Type 2 diabetes in adults when lifestyle measures alone are insufficient.
What is gliclazide used for?
Gliclazide is licensed for adults with type 2 diabetes when dietary measures, exercise and weight reduction alone do not adequately control blood glucose.
It may be used alone or with other glucose-lowering treatment where permitted by the product licence and clinically appropriate.
It is not a treatment for type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic pre-coma or diabetic coma.
How does gliclazide work?
Gliclazide acts on functioning pancreatic beta cells to increase insulin secretion, including the response to food. This helps move glucose from the blood into body tissues.
gliclazide preparations and strengths
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 30 mg, 60 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 40 mg, 80 mg
How to take gliclazide
Take the exact formulation prescribed and follow its label and leaflet. Instructions differ between standard-release and modified- or prolonged-release products.
Take tablets with water and maintain regular meals.
Swallow modified- or prolonged-release tablets whole unless the leaflet for the exact product permits splitting.
Do not crush or chew modified- or prolonged-release tablets.
Do not switch formulations without confirmation from a prescriber or pharmacist.
gliclazide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Hypoglycaemia, causing hunger, sweating, shaking, dizziness, confusion or difficulty concentrating.
- Stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation.
- Weight gain.
- Temporary visual disturbance when blood glucose changes.
Get urgent medical advice
- A severe or prolonged hypo, including confusion, seizure or unconsciousness.
- Yellow skin or eyes, which may indicate liver injury.
- Unusual pallor, bruising, bleeding, fever or sore throat, which may indicate a blood disorder.
- A widespread blistering or peeling rash, facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse.
gliclazide in pregnancy
Gliclazide is not recommended during pregnancy because human safety information is limited. If planning pregnancy or pregnant, seek prompt review from the diabetes or maternity team rather than stopping treatment without advice.
gliclazide interactions
Interactions may cause hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia or altered effects of another medicine.
Miconazole, including oral gel or systemic treatment
Contraindicated because it can cause profound or prolonged hypoglycaemia, including coma.
Other diabetes medicines
Combined glucose-lowering effects may increase hypoglycaemia risk.
Common questions about gliclazide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can gliclazide cause low blood sugar?
Yes. Risk increases when meals are delayed or missed, food intake falls, activity increases or another glucose-lowering medicine is used.
What should I carry in case of a hypo?
Carry fast-acting glucose, such as glucose tablets or a sugary drink. Artificial sweeteners will not correct low blood glucose.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.