Diamicron

What is it?

An antidiabetic drug and hypoglycaemic preparation which is a sulphonylurea available as scored, white tablets containg 80mg of gliclazide. Also, DIAMICRON MR, available as oblong, white, scored, sustained-release tablets containing 30mg of gliclazide.

Medical Uses

Type II diabetes, (formerly Non Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus or maturity-onset diabetes, in which the pancreas is still active to some extent).

Dosage

Diamicron, adults, 1/z to 1 tablet daily up to a maximum of 4, in 2 divided doses if more than 2 tablets are being taken. Diamicron MR, 30mg each day at first, increasing, if required, at 4 week intervals by 30mg to a maximum of 120mg each day. The time period intervals can be reduced to 2 weeks if blood sugar levels have not fallen after 2 weeks, as advised by doctor.

Special Care

Kidney failure, the elderly.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, juvenile, growth-onset or unstable brittle diabetes (all forms of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus), severe liver or kidney disease, ketoncidosis, stress, infections, surgery, endocrine disorders.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Risk of hypoglycaemia with: sulfonamides, fibrates, fluconazole, aspirin, alcohol, chloramphenicol, MAOIs, NSAIDs, miconazole, oral anticoagulants, β-blockers, ACE inhibitors, probenecid, phenylbutazone, cimetidine. Risk of hyperglycaemia with: diuretics, progestogens, oestrogens, contraceptive pills, phenothiazines, derivatives of nicotinic acid, thyroid hormones, phenytoin, danazol, sympathomimetics, calcium antagonists, corticosteroids, isoniazid.

Known Side Effects

Allergic reactions including skin rash, hypoglycaemia, disturbance of vision, liver disorders, gastrointestinal effects, headache, abdominal pains, malaise, blood effects, trembling, dizziness, raised liver enzymes, confusion, drowsiness.