Gliclazide
Gliclazide is an oral antidiabetic medication classified as a sulfonylurea, used to manage type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas.
Gliclazide is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BB09
- RxNorm
- 4816
- Generic
- Gliclazide
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue use before pregnancy planning or avoid use during first trimester unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesterswitch to insulin
discontinue gliclazide and switch to insulin therapy for better glycemic control
regular fetal growth monitoring and maternal glucose control
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterdiscontinue before delivery
switch to insulin and discontinue at least 2 weeks before expected delivery
fetal monitoring and assessment for macrosomia
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
not applicableavoid
do not use during breastfeeding as gliclazide is excreted in breast milk
monitor infant for signs of hypoglycemia
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
not applicablestart with lowest effective dose
initiate therapy at half the adult starting dose and titrate slowly; monitor for hypoglycemia
frequent blood glucose monitoring especially during dose titration
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not indicated for use in children and adolescents due to lack of safety and efficacy data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed for mild impairment
use with caution and monitor renal function periodically
monitor renal function and blood glucose regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate severedose reduction recommended
reduce dose by 25-50% and use with close monitoring
frequent blood glucose monitoring and renal function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderatedose reduction may be needed
use with caution and consider dose reduction in moderate hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests and blood glucose closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use
do not use in severe hepatic impairment due to impaired gluconeogenesis risk
frequent monitoring if used in error
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Gliclazide belongs to the sulfonylurea class of antidiabetic medications
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
FDA approval year
Year of FDA approval for gliclazide
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism of action
Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults when diet control, exercise, and weight reduction alone are not sufficient to achieve glycemic control.
Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea that binds to and blocks ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells, causing cell depolarization and calcium influx, which stimulates insulin secretion.
Should be taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Risk of hypoglycemia, particularly in elderly patients, those with renal impairment, or when combined with other hypoglycemic agents. Not suitable for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Alcohol may enhance the hypoglycemic effect.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy