About gliclazide
Sulfonylurea blood glucose-lowering medicine
Used for
- Type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone are insufficient
Usual adult dose
Usually 30–120 mg once daily with breakfast; dose is adjusted to blood glucose.
Common side effects
- Low blood sugar
- Nausea or indigestion
- Abdominal pain or diarrhoea
- Skin rash
Important warnings
- Low blood sugar risk increases with missed meals, exercise, or alcohol.
- Not suitable for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Use cautiously with liver or kidney problems.
- Modified-release tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.
Pregnancy
Usually avoided; insulin is generally preferred. Treatment should be reviewed by a clinician before or during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Not generally recommended because of possible low blood sugar in the infant.
Interactions
- Other diabetes medicines and insulin can increase low blood sugar.
- Some antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatory medicines can increase its effect.
- Corticosteroids and some asthma medicines may raise blood sugar.
- Alcohol can increase or unpredictably alter blood sugar effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.