Gliclazide is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. It prevents the digestion of carbohydrates by inhibiting the enzymes known as alpha-glucosidase, which are found in the intestines and break down complex carbohydrates.
In doing so, gliclazide can help to increase blood sugar levels and lower postprandial glucose (after eating) levels in people with diabetes by slowing down the rate at which carbohydrate is broken down.
Read on to learn more about gliclazide and its potential uses.
Table of Contents
What is Gliclazide?
Gliclazide is a type 2 diabetes medication that reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver. It also increases the amount of insulin released by the body’s own pancreas. This lowers the amount of glucose found in the blood.
Gliclazide comes in both a tablet and liquid form. The usual recommended dose is 50 milligrams per day for adults.
Gliclazide is part of a class of drugs known as glucose-lowering agents. The drug lowers glucose levels by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing glucose uptake by the muscles and the liver.
How does gliclazide work?
Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea that regulates the blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Its mechanism of action consists of two main steps. First, it increases the sensitivity of cells to the insulin present in the blood.
In this regard, Gliclazide can be considered a glucose sensitizer or insulin potentiator agent.
Gliclazide, in addition, slows down the process of glucose production in the liver. Therefore, the level of blood glucose significantly decreases since the cells are receiving less glucose.
Gliclazide is distinguished by a very low toxicity, which is associated with a very rare side effect – hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Benefits of Gliclazide
- Can be taken once a day for type 2 diabetes management.
- May help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Can be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes who don’t respond well to insulin therapy.
- Works quickly, usually within hours of taking a dose.
Side Effects of Gliclazide
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): This can happen if you take too much gliclazide or if you miss a meal while you’re taking the drug. Symptoms include shakiness, confusion, sweating, weakness, and headache. If you experience these symptoms, eat something sugary right away. You should also try to limit the amount of gliclazide you take.
- Weight gain: Gliclazide can cause you to gain weight, especially if you don’t exercise.
- Bone fractures: Gliclazide can make your bones weaker and increase the risk of fractures. You should get your bone mineral density (BMD) tested regularly while taking gliclazide.
- Liver damage: Gliclazide has been linked to liver damage in some people. Before starting the drug, your doctor may order blood tests to check for liver damage.
– Increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
How to take Gliclazide?
You should take gliclazide with a meal and at the same time every day. If you’re taking gliclazide to treat type 2 diabetes, you should continue taking the drug even if you get better. Gliclazide doesn’t cure diabetes, but it can improve your blood sugar if you consistently take it as prescribed.
Try to take gliclazide at the same time each day to help with blood sugar control. It’s important that you take it at the same time each day to keep your blood sugar at a consistent level. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.
Final Words: Is Gliclazide Right for You?
Gliclazide is an anti-diabetic medication which is used to control blood sugar levels in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. The drug works by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing glucose uptake by the muscles and the liver.
Gliclazide can be taken either alone or in combination with other oral diabetes medications like Metformin and Sulfonylureas.
Gliclazide is usually taken once a day, either in the morning or evening. You should take the drug at the same time each day to prevent fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. You should take gliclazide with a meal to avoid stomach upset and to improve its effectiveness.
Can you buy gliclazide over the counter?
Gliclazide is available over the counter. It may be recommended to you if you don’t have any underlying conditions. Gliclazide is a very safe oral diabetes medication that can be taken along with other diabetes drugs. You will have to follow your doctor’s advice regarding dosage and duration of the medication.
If you think you have diabetes, take the time to learn about the different treatment options. You can also talk to your doctor to find the diabetes treatment that works best for you.
