Diamicron (Gliclazide)

What is Diamicron?

Diamicron is an oral hypoglycemic agent that belongs to a group of medications called sulfonylurea.

What is Diamicron used for?

Diamicron is used to improve insulin secretion from functioning beta cells of the pancreas.

How does Diamicron work?

Diamicron works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas and helping the body use insulin efficiently.

How to use Diamicron

Use Diamicron in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Read the instruction leaflet carefully before taking the drug. Do not take the medicine for longer period or in larger amount than prescribed.

The daily recommended dose is 80 mg to 320 mg. It is advised that if you are prescribed more than 160 mg a day, divide your doses into two – one tablet twice daily. The medicine is to be taken with meals.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis, while you are on the dosing schedule of this medicine.

Diamicron warnings and precautions

Do not take Diamicron if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. It is important to inform your doctor about your medical history, prior to taking this medication. If the doctor is well acquainted with your medical condition, he’ll prescribe you the dose accordingly. He may ask you to have some special tests done before taking Diamicron or may even adjust your previous doses.

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to take Diamicron only after taking permission from their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Diamicron dose?

If you have missed a Diamicron dose, you should take your dose as soon as you remember.  If it is almost time for your next dose skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Diamicron overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Diamicron, you should discontinue medication and consult your doctor. Overdose symptoms include trembling, numbness, chilliness, dizziness, headache, enhanced pulse rate and blood pressure, and in some cases – apprehensiveness.

Diamicron interactions

Some drugs are known to interact with Diamicron when used in tandem with it. Therefore, it is important that before being prescribed with this medicine, you inform your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you are taking, especially if you have been taking MAO inhibitors, cimetidine, propranolol, ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors, probenecid, miconazole, salicylates, coumarin derivatives, clofibrate, phenylbutazone, barbiturates or tuberculostatics. You should also tell him about herbal medicines, vitamin and mineral supplements that you may be using.

Do not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Diamicron side effects

Some common side effects from Diamicron are dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, shakiness, nervousness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric irritation or severe headache. Tell your doctor if you experience any such side effects.

You may also experience allergic reactions such as erythema, pruritus, urticaria, morbiliform or maculopapular rash. One may also get jaundice after consuming Diamicron. If such is a case, the symptoms must be reported to a doctor right away.

There may be other side effects of Diamicron, consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms after taking this medicine. These might be some major side effects of the medicine that need to be reported to the doctor immediately.