Gliclazide
Generic Details
Generic Name
Gliclazide
Other Names
- Diamicron
- Diamicron MR
- Diamicron 60
- Diamicron 80
Drug Class
- Sulfonylurea
Chemical Formula
C15H21N3O3S
Molecular Weight
323.41 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells
Indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 80-320 mg/day
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Initial dose may be lower due to increased risk of hypoglycemia
Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Skin reactions
- Weight gain
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas
- Type 1 diabetes
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment
Pregnancy Category
- C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Not recommended, may pass into breast milk
Drug Interactions
- Beta-blockers
- NSAIDs
- Sulfonamides
- MAO inhibitors
Overdose Symptoms
- Hypoglycemia
- Coma
Antidote for Overdose
- Glucose
- Diazoxide
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Protein binding is about 95%
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Excreted mainly in the urine
Precautions
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels
- Adjust dose in renal or hepatic impairment
Warnings
- Risk of hypoglycemia, especially in the elderly
Others
- May increase the risk of heart failure in some patients