Diamicron

Generic Name: Gliclazide
Product Name: Diamicron

Indication

Diamicron is used in the treatment of type II (non-insulin dependent) diabetes that cannot be controlled with diet and exercise.

Dose advice

Dosage of Gliclazide should be carefully titrated to maintain optimal diabetic control.

Initial dose is 40mg daily
May be increased up to 320mg daily if necessary
Doses up to 160mg may be taken as a single dose, preferably in the morning
Doses greater than 160mg should be taken in divided doses, one in the morning and one in the evening
Lowest dose for optimal control should be maintainedDietary restrictions should still be in place during treatment with Gliclazide.

Schedule

Common side effects

Gliclazide is a blood glucose-lowering agent. Non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) is due to a decreased sensitivity of the body’s cells to insulin, but the pancreas still has the ability to produce insulin. Gliclazide stimulates the islet cells of the pancreas to secrete insulin, and also increases their sensitivity to their normal stimulus, glucose. These effects restore the “first-phase” insulin secretion that has become diminished in NIDDM patients. Gliclazide also has effects outside the pancreas, where it improves insulin-stimulated usage of glucose. This, combined with its continuing ability to stimulate insulin secretion, allow Gliclazide to have long-term blood glucose-lowering ability.

Uncommon side effects

Hypoglycaemia is the most common and serious side effect of Diamicron. It is due to an extension of the therapeutic effect. Other common adverse effects include: