Short Description
Gliclazide 60mg is a modified-release tablet used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medicines called sulfonylureas, which work by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. It is generally used alongside diet and exercise rather than as a standalone treatment.
What Is Gliclazide 60mg?
Gliclazide 60mg tablets contain gliclazide, a medicine from the sulfonylurea group of oral antidiabetics. The modified-release formulation allows the active ingredient to be released gradually over the day, supporting once-daily dosing.
Gliclazide is used specifically in type 2 diabetes, where it helps the body manage blood glucose more effectively. It is typically prescribed when diet, exercise, and weight management alone have not been enough to achieve adequate blood sugar control.
Uses
Gliclazide 60mg may be prescribed to:
Help control blood glucose (sugar) levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Support glycaemic control as an adjunct to diet and exercise
Be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines, such as metformin or insulin, where appropriate
The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual blood sugar levels and overall health.
How Does Gliclazide Work?
Gliclazide works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin in response to meals, helping the body move glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells for energy. It also helps restore a more normal pattern of insulin release after eating.
Blood sugar control generally begins to improve within the first few weeks of treatment, though regular monitoring is usually needed to track response and adjust treatment as necessary.
How to Take Gliclazide
Take Gliclazide exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Usually taken once daily, at breakfast
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush it, as this can affect how the medicine is released
The tablet may be divided along the score line if instructed by your doctor or pharmacist, but should not be split into unequal parts
Always eat a meal after taking your dose, to help reduce the risk of low blood sugar
Do not stop taking Gliclazide or change your dose without speaking to your doctor, as this can affect blood sugar control
If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for it. Continue with your next scheduled dose and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Important Safety Information
Before taking Gliclazide, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your full medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you currently use.
Caution or closer monitoring may be needed if you have:
Type 1 diabetes (Gliclazide is not suitable for this condition)
Kidney or liver problems
G6PD deficiency (a blood enzyme condition)
A history of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
Irregular eating patterns or are undergoing surgery
Gliclazide can interact with other medicines that affect blood sugar levels, including other diabetes medicines, certain antifungal and antibiotic medicines, corticosteroids, and some pain relief medicines. Alcohol can also increase the risk of low blood sugar. Always check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicine.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Gliclazide is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as blood sugar in pregnancy is usually managed with insulin rather than oral antidiabetic medicines. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or discover you are pregnant while taking Gliclazide, speak with your doctor promptly, as your treatment plan may need to change.
Gliclazide should not be taken while breastfeeding. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on alternative treatment if breastfeeding is planned.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Gliclazide can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects include:
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), which may cause sweating, shakiness, hunger, or confusion
Stomach pain, nausea, or indigestion
Diarrhoea or constipation
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as skin rash with swelling, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusually pale skin or unexplained bruising, or symptoms of severe low blood sugar such as confusion, difficulty speaking, or loss of consciousness.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Storage
Store Gliclazide according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep in the original packaging
Protect from excess heat and moisture
Keep out of reach and sight of children
Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging