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Gliclazide is an anti-diabetic medicine which is taken orally during the treatment course of type 2 diabetes. The gliclazide tablet not only helps keep the sugar levels at bay but also prevents related diabetes complications. According to a report in the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, Gliclazide is the top medicine for non-insulin diabetes type 2 patients.
It prevents complications like diabetic retinopathy or eye ailments, diabetic nephropathy or kidney damage and strokes. Gliclazide also helps in dealing with diabetic neuropathy, which results in heart attacks due to disruption in blood flow.
Gliclazide medication also enhances the production of insulin hormones. It is this insulin hormone that is responsible for regulating blood sugar in our body.
There are two forms in which the diabetes medication gliclazide is available. These are tablets and capsules. It comes in different powers like Gliclazide 80mg, Gliclazide 60 mg, Gliclazide 40mg, Gliclazide 30mg, etc.
Gliclazide 80 mg and all the mentioned above have persistent side effects. Therefore, to avoid these side effects, you should do the following:
- Eat your food as per your diet plan and on time
- Always carry with you a sugar-rich product like candies, glucose supplements, etc.
- Fruit juices, etc.
Disclaimer: Note that this medication is only available on a doctor’s prescription. We don’t advise you to start taking it without medical consultation.
Gliclazide Uses
Gliclazide is mainly used in the therapeutic treatment of type 2 diabetes. A clinical study published in PubMed Central shows how gliclazide can be used in the effective treatment of type 2 diabetes. The main uses of gliclazide tablets are:
- Increasing insulin secretion
- Controlling diabetes complications
- Prevents brain strokes
- Prevents heart attacks
Read More: Chart of Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Things to Know Before Using Gliclazide Tablets
There are a few things you should know when you are on gliclazide diabetes medication.
Course of action:
Gliclazide tablet generally takes around 1 hour to 2 hours for its effects to take place.
Effect duration:
The effect of the gliclazide tablet stays for 1 to 2 days on average. However, its impact will vary from person to person.
Reaction with alcohol:
Drinking alcohol and gliclazide medicine doesn’t go well. Therefore, it is advised that you limit or avoid alcohol when taking gliclazide. Alcohol will only elevate this medicine’s side effects. According to NHS (National Health Service United Kingdom), you can, however, only take up to 2 units of alcohol with Gliclazide and that too only occasionally.
Habit-forming nature:
Gliclazide 160 mg or any other power is not a habit-forming medicine. Your doctor, whenever they feel like can adjust the gliclazide medication dosage and also stop it.
Gliclazide and pregnancy:
Pregnant women are strictly advised against the use of gliclazide tablets, according to the National Health Service U.K. Gliclazide side effects can affect the foetus very negatively. Your doctor, in this case, will prescribe alternative medicine with no such side effects
Gliclazide and lactating mothers:
Till today, there are no substantial studies that can evaluate the effect of gliclazide on breast milk. However, the National Health Service United Kingdom recommends no Gliclazide usage for lactating mothers. Doctors for lactating mothers prescribe safer alternative medication in which there are no such side effects.
Dosage Timing
Gliclazide is generally taken half an hour before a meal, most likely breakfast. However, your doctor’s advice will be paramount regarding gliclazide medicine dosage and timing.
Our advice when taking gliclazide would be that you fix its timing for every day.
Never stop the usage of gliclazide, even when your sugar levels stabilise, without consulting with your diabetologist.
Read More: Glucophage 500 MG Tablets to Control Your Blood Sugar Level
Foods to Avoid While Taking Gliclazide
When taking Gliclazide tablets, it’s essential to manage your diet to maintain stable sugar levels. Here are some specific considerations:
Limit Sugary Foods
All kinds of sugary foods and beverages, including mithais, desserts, and sweetened beverages, must be avoided. These foods can lead to spikes in your sugar levels and disrupt the functioning of gliclazide.
Control Carbs Intake
When on gliclazide, the list of top foods to avoid is carbohydrates and precisely simple carbs. You can go for complex carbs with a lower glycemic index, such as whole grains, lentils, and non-starchy veggies.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption
While moderate alcohol consumption may be acceptable for some, in case you’re on gliclazide, it’s crucial to listen to your doctor’s advice regarding alcohol. This is because gliclazide and alcohol don’t go well and can cause some severe side effects.
Meal Timing and Consistency
Try to have regular and proportional meals throughout the day. You should at no cost, skip meals, as this can lead to blood glucose fluctuations.
Monitor Potassium-rich Foods
Gliclazide can affect potassium levels. Be cautious with high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, and leafy green veggies. Consult your doctor for specific guidance.
Disclaimer: Remember, these are general guidelines, and individual recommendations may vary. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation.
Read More: HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) A1c Chart, Test, Levels, & Normal Range
Gliclazide Dosage
There is a generalised dose of gliclazide medicine. Although they come in different powers ranging from gliclazide 20 mg to gliclazide 160 mg, it’s only to be used if your doctor prescribes it.
Missed Dose
In case you have missed the scheduled dose of gliclazide, take it as soon as you remember it. However, don’t take your missed dose very close to the time of your next dose. Do maintain sufficient gaps between them. Combing two doses won’t do any good. Rather, it’ll affect you negatively.
Overdose
Always take the dose of gliclazide that has been prescribed by your doctor, and never consume more than it. Overdosing gliclazide will result in hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar).
Gliclazide Side Effects
Sulfonylurea gliclazide is an anti-diabetic medication, but it has some potential side effects. There are some potential gliclazide side effects:
Hypoglycemia
Gliclazide works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, which can sometimes lead to low sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Symptoms may include
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Confusion
Gastrointestinal Issues
Taking Gliclazide causes gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea in some people. Therefore, in most cases, doctors, along with gluclazide, prescribe a stomach. These symptoms are generally mild and transient.
Decrease in vision
A top side effect of taking gliclazide is your vision will get blurred. However, if you maintain your sugar level and HbA1c in the safe range, this effect can also be curtailed.
Allergic Reactions
While rare, allergic reactions to Gliclazide can occur. Signs of allergic reactions include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Liver Function
Sulfonylureas, including Gliclazide, can affect liver function. Your doctor may recommend regular monitoring of liver enzymes.
Skin Reactions
Skin reactions such as photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight) or skin rashes may occur in some individuals.
Blood Disorders
In rare cases, Gliclazide may affect blood cell counts. Regular blood sugar examinations should be done to monitor for any abnormalities.
It’s important to note that individual responses to medications vary, and not everyone will experience these side effects. A 2014 study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that Gliclazide medicine is generally safe for diabetes patients Additionally, the benefits of controlling blood sugar levels should be weighed against the potential risks. For this, your doctor will be the best judge; therefore, constantly staying in touch with your doctor is necessary.
Read More: What are the Glycemic Index and ways to calculate the Gi Value of Food Items?
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Question)
Gliclazide is an anti-diabetic drug which is used to bring down sugar levels and also regulates common diabetes complications.
No, gliclazide doesn’t directly affect kidneys. However, if you currently have a persistent kidney ailment, then your body won’t be able to flush out gliclazide fully out of your body. Deposition of gliclazide in your body over time can lead to hypoglycemia and other related disorders.
Yes, studies done suggest gliclazide is completely safe for long-term usage. It doesn’t deteriorate your internal organs. However, your body may develop resistance to it over time, and then your doctor will accordingly change or adjust your medication.
Individuals with the following conditions shouldn’t take gliclazide:
Type 1 diabetes patients
Diabetic ketoacidosis patients
Individuals with kidney disorders
Individuals with liver disorders
Pregnant women
Lactating mothers
Disclaimer
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