Gliclazide

Overview
Gliclazide is an oral hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic drug) and is classified as a sulfonylurea. It is marketed as Diamicron MR®. DIAMICRON MR is also distributed as: Diabeton MR, Diamicron 30mg, Diamicron LM 30mg, Diamicron MR 30 mg, Diamicron Uno 30mg, Dianormax MR, Diaprel MR and Uni Diamicron.

Form and Composition:
Each tablet contains 80 mg of gliclazide.

Not marketed in the United States.

Indication:
Control of hyperglycemia in gliclazide responsive diabetes mellitus of stable, mild, non-ketosis prone, maturity onset or adult type which cannot be controlled by proper dietary management and exercise, or when insulin therapy is not appropriate.

Dosage:
40 to 240 mg depending on response, once or twice daily before food, no more that 160 mg at a time.

Properties:
Hypoglycemic sulfonylurea, restoring first peak of insulin secretion, increasing insulin sensitivity. Glycemia-independent hemovascular effects, antioxidant effect. No active circulating metabolites.

Contraindications:
type 1 diabetes, hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas, severe renal or hepatic failure, pregnancy and lactation, miconazole coprescription.

Interactions:
Hyperglycemic action may be caused by danazol, chlorpromazine, glucocorticoids, progestogens, β-2 agonists. Its hypoglycemic action may be potentiated by phenylbutazone, alcohol, fluconazole, β-blockers, possibly ACE inhibitors.

Adverse effects:
Hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal disturbance (reported), skin reactions (rare), hematological disorders (rare), hepatic enzyme rises (exceptional).

Overdosage:
Possible severe hypoglycemia requiring urgent IV glucose and monitoring.