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Gliclazide

  • Your doctor/nurse will want to see you regularly to review your condition- it is important that you attend these appointments.
  • Your concentration may be affected if your diabetes is not well-controlled, especially at the start of treatment.
  • It is important for you to eat regular meals.

About gliclazide

Type of medicine Antidiabetic
Used for Non insulin-dependent diabetes (type 2) in adults
Also called Diamicron
Diamicron MR
Diaglyck
Available as Tablets

Gliclazide works mainly by stimulating the beta cells in the pancreas, causing more insulin to be produced. This helps to decrease the amount of sugar in the blood of people with type 2 diabetes.

Before taking gliclazide

Before taking gliclazide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from juvenile onset diabetes.
  • If you have experienced ketosis (body converts fat into energy) or acidosis (accumulation of acid in the body).
  • If you are about to undergo surgery, have had a severe trauma or have an infection.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from a blood condition called porphyria.

How to take gliclazide

  • Take as directed by your doctor.
  • Taking tablets after food may ease any indigestion side effects.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Your doctor/nurse will want to see you regularly to review your condition- it is important that you attend these appointments.
  • Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels may be checked.
  • You will probably have regular blood tests to check the amount of glucose in your blood.
  • Your concentration may be affected if your diabetes is not well-controlled, especially at the start of treatment.
  • It is important for you to eat regular meals.
  • You should eat a well-balanced, healthy diet- reduce consumption of fat and salt, increase intake of fruit and vegetables, and fibre-rich starchy foods, eat more oily fish.
  • You should take regular exercise.

Can gliclazide cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, drink plenty of liquid.
Diarrhoea or constipation Drink plenty of water.
If you experience constipation, try to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Disturbance of vision Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience problems with your eyesight.

Hypoglycaemia is when your blood sugar falls, causing you to feel irritable, weak, have blurred vision, look pale, and tremble. If this happens, have a sugary snack or drink (not diet) immediately and then follow this with a starchy snack such as a sandwich.

How to store gliclazide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3571		 DocRef:
dils3017		 Last Updated:
25 Jul 2007		 Date of Next Review:
24 Jul 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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