Gliclazide
Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea medicine used to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes, often when metformin alone is not enough or is not suitable. It stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin. Your diabetes team will agree targets, meal patterns, and how often to review HbA1c and side effects.
This medicine is part of the Diabetes medicines category.
Generic name: gliclazide
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea medicine used to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes, often when metformin alone is not enough or is not suitable.
How long does it take to work?
Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges.
What are common side effects?
Common effects include low blood sugar symptoms (shakiness, sweating, confusion), weight gain, or digestive upset.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Gliclazide with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Gliclazide is used for
Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea medicine used to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes, often when Metformin alone is not enough or is not suitable. It stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin.
Your diabetes team will agree targets, meal patterns, and how often to review HbA1c and side effects.
How does Gliclazide work, and how long does it take to work?
Sulfonylureas increase insulin release from the pancreas, which lowers blood glucose, especially after meals when taken as directed.
Unlike Metformin, gliclazide can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) if you skip meals, exercise hard, or drink alcohol without food.
How and when should you take Gliclazide?
Gliclazide is usually taken with meals — timing depends on whether you have standard or modified-release tablets. Follow your label exactly.
Do not skip meals without medical advice if you take gliclazide, because of hypo risk.
What are the common side effects of Gliclazide?
Common effects include low blood sugar symptoms (shakiness, sweating, confusion), weight gain, or digestive upset.
Your team should explain how to recognise and treat hypos with fast-acting carbohydrate.
Serious side effects of Gliclazide — when to get urgent help
Severe hypoglycaemia can cause confusion, fits, or loss of consciousness — use emergency glucagon if prescribed and call 999 if someone is unconscious.
Seek urgent help for severe allergic reaction, severe skin rash, or signs of liver problems.
What if you miss a dose of Gliclazide?
If you miss a dose, take it with your next meal unless told otherwise — do not double doses. If you miss a main meal, your prescriber may advise skipping that dose to avoid hypos.
Ask your diabetes nurse or pharmacist if unsure.
Who should not take Gliclazide?
Gliclazide is not used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Severe kidney or liver impairment, pregnancy, and some other conditions need individual assessment.
Always list all medicines — some drugs increase hypo risk.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Gliclazide? — other interactions
Alcohol, some antibiotics, antifungals, and other diabetes medicines can alter glucose levels or hypo risk. Your prescriber or pharmacist reviews combinations.
Gliclazide in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Diabetes in pregnancy is usually managed with specialist input; speak to your team before continuing gliclazide.
Blood tests and monitoring on Gliclazide
HbA1c, finger-prick tests as advised, kidney function, and occasional liver tests may be arranged. Attend diabetes reviews.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Gliclazide?
Your GP or diabetes team may consider Metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, Pioglitazone, DPP-4 inhibitors, or insulin depending on your needs and heart or kidney health.
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Frequently asked questions about Gliclazide
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Gliclazide used for?
- Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea medicine used to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes, often when Metformin alone is not enough or is not suitable. It stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin. Your diabetes team will agree targets, meal patterns, and how often to review HbA1c and side effects.
- How long does Gliclazide take to work?
- Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Gliclazide with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Gliclazide with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Gliclazide?
- Common effects include low blood sugar symptoms (shakiness, sweating, confusion), weight gain, or digestive upset. Your team should explain how to recognise and treat hypos with fast-acting carbohydrate. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Gliclazide vs metformin — what is the difference?
- Metformin mainly reduces liver glucose output and rarely causes hypos alone. Gliclazide increases insulin release and can cause hypos. Your prescriber may use one or both.
- What should I do if I feel shaky on gliclazide?
- It may be a hypo — take quick-acting carbohydrate as your team taught you, recheck glucose, and seek urgent help if symptoms are severe or do not improve.
Need personalised advice?
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