What does that drug do? Focus on Gliclazide

Possible doses: 

Gliclazide can be taken in a long-acting form with doses typically ranging between 30 mg to 120 mg daily. It can also be taken in a once or twice-daily form with doses ranging from 80 mg one or twice daily to 160 mg twice daily. 

What it does: Gliclazide is used to lower glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, like any drug it will work better in some people than in others for reasons that are not clearly understood. It does not seem to have any affect on other diseases.

How it works: Gliclazide works by binding to receptors on the insulin secreting cells in the pancreas. This causes these cells to push insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin acts on cells throughout the body to lower glucose levels. 

Side effects: Most people have no side effects. However, because gliclazide increases insulin secretion from the pancreas at all different glucose levels, it can cause hypoglycemia or a low blood sugar level. This is particularly more likely if somebody is not eating for a while, is losing weight, or has started on another glucose lowering drug without adjustment of the dosage of gliclazide. Bottom line: Gliclazide is widely used, effective and inexpensive. Its use has been declining in the last ten years with the availability of other effective options to lower glucose levels.

About the author

Hertzel Gerstein, Endocrinologist

Hertzel is an endocrinologist and professor at McMaster University who is in high demand as a speaker, advocate, and educator on diabetes-related topics. His research focuses on using large, international randomized trials to identify and test new ways of preventing type 2 diabetes, reducing serious health outcomes like strokes and death, and achieving type 2 diabetes remissions.