Description
Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea, used alongside diet and exercise to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. It works by prompting the pancreas to release more insulin, so it is only useful where the pancreas still makes some of its own. Tablets are taken with meals, usually with breakfast, and the dose is adjusted against your blood glucose readings; larger daily doses are normally split between meals.
Because gliclazide increases insulin, it can cause hypoglycaemia, particularly if a meal is missed, after alcohol, or with unaccustomed exercise. Learn the warning signs and keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you. Some weight gain is possible. Tell your prescriber if you have kidney or liver problems, if you have G6PD deficiency, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Sulfonylureas carry DVLA requirements for drivers, so check the rules that apply to you.
- Sulfonylurea for type 2 diabetes, used with diet and exercise
- Prompts the pancreas to release more insulin
- 40mg and 80mg tablets, taken with meals
- Can cause hypoglycaemia; keep fast-acting sugar with you
- Tell your prescriber about kidney or liver problems
- Sulfonylureas carry DVLA requirements for drivers
