Gliclazide

Gliclazide

Antidiabetics Prescription only ATC code: A10BB09

What it is

Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea that stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release more insulin, which lowers blood glucose. It is used in type 2 diabetes, usually when diet and first-line tablets have not been enough on their own. Its effect depends on the pancreas still being able to produce insulin.

Typical dose
30–120 mg
1× a day
Times
With food
Morning

Used for

  • Diabetes

What to know while taking it

It is taken in the morning with a meal, and skipping that meal while the tablet is working is the single most common way blood sugar falls too low. Alcohol adds to that risk and can blunt the warning signs, so it is avoided. Beta-blockers such as bisoprolol and metoprolol can mask the tremor and racing heart that normally signal hypoglycaemia, leaving sweating and confusion as the remaining clues. HbA1c shows the longer trend, day-to-day glucose shows how the dose sits in practice, and C-peptide reflects how much insulin the pancreas is still making.

When to see a doctor

Repeated episodes of shakiness, sweating, hunger or confusion that ease after eating mean the dose no longer fits and a doctor should review it. Loss of consciousness or a seizure is an emergency, and persistently high readings despite taking the tablet also warrant seeing a doctor.

Worth knowing

  • Can cause low blood sugar
  • Do not combine with alcohol
  • Never skip a meal on this

Interacts with

Markers to watch

Reference information, not medical advice. Discuss any change with your doctor.