Gliclazide + Metformin

Find more information about this combination medication at the webpages for Gliclazide and Metformin

NA

Drug Status

approvals.svg

Government Approvals

UK(BNF)

approvals.svg

WHO Essential Medicine

YES

approvals.svg

Known Teratogen

NO

approvals.svg

Pharmaceutical Class

None

approvals.svg

Controlled Drug Substance

NO

Learn more about this medicine -

Click Here

Summary

  • Gliclazide and Metformin are both used to manage type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where the body does not use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. They help control blood sugar levels to prevent complications such as nerve damage and heart disease. These medications are often part of a broader treatment plan that includes diet and exercise to effectively manage diabetes.

  • Gliclazide works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, which is a hormone that helps lower blood sugar levels. Metformin decreases the amount of sugar produced by the liver and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, which helps the body use insulin more effectively. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.

  • Gliclazide is usually taken once or twice a day, with a starting dose of 40 to 80 milligrams per day. It is taken orally, which means it is swallowed in pill form. Metformin is typically taken two or three times a day, with a starting dose of 500 milligrams per day. Like Gliclazide, it is also taken orally. Both medications should be taken with food to reduce the risk of side effects.

  • Gliclazide can cause low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, which refers to dangerously low levels of sugar in the blood, and weight gain. Some people might experience dizziness or headaches. Metformin often causes stomach-related issues like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. A serious but rare side effect of Metformin is lactic acidosis, which is a condition where lactic acid builds up in the blood.

  • Gliclazide should be used with caution in people with severe kidney or liver problems, as it can cause low blood sugar. Metformin is not recommended for people with severe kidney disease or those who drink excessive alcohol, due to the risk of lactic acidosis. Both medications should be used with caution in people with heart problems. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before starting or changing these medications.

Indications and Purpose

What is combination of Gliclazide and Metformin used for?

Gliclazide and Metformin are both used to treat type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where the body does not use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. Gliclazide works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas, which helps lower blood sugar levels. It is particularly useful for people whose bodies still produce some insulin but need a boost to manage their blood sugar. Metformin, on the other hand, works by decreasing the amount of sugar produced by the liver and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin, which helps the body use insulin more effectively. Both medications aim to control blood sugar levels, but they do so in different ways. While Gliclazide focuses on increasing insulin production, Metformin focuses on reducing sugar production and improving insulin sensitivity. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to managing type 2 diabetes.

How does combination of Gliclazide and Metformin work?

Gliclazide and Metformin are both used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where the body does not use insulin properly. Gliclazide works by stimulating the pancreas, which is an organ that produces insulin, to release more insulin. This helps lower blood sugar levels. Metformin, on the other hand, works by decreasing the amount of sugar produced by the liver and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin, which helps the body use insulin more effectively. Both medicines aim to control blood sugar levels, but they do so in different ways. Gliclazide focuses on increasing insulin production, while Metformin reduces sugar production and improves insulin sensitivity. Despite their differences, they share the common goal of helping to manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

How effective is combination of Gliclazide and Metformin?

Gliclazide and Metformin are both medications used to manage type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where the body does not use insulin properly. Gliclazide works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels. It is particularly effective for people whose bodies still produce some insulin. Metformin, on the other hand, works by reducing the amount of sugar the liver releases into the blood and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin, which helps the body use insulin more effectively. Both medications share the common goal of controlling blood sugar levels, which is crucial in preventing complications associated with diabetes, such as nerve damage and heart disease. They are often used together because they work in different ways to achieve better blood sugar control. The combination of these medications can be more effective than using either one alone, providing a comprehensive approach to managing diabetes.

How does one know if combination of Gliclazide and Metformin is working?

The benefit of Gliclazide and Metformin is measured by their ability to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where the body does not use insulin properly. Gliclazide works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, which is a hormone that helps lower blood sugar. Metformin, on the other hand, decreases the amount of sugar produced by the liver and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin. Both medicines aim to keep blood sugar levels within a target range, reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. They share the common goal of improving blood sugar control, but they achieve this through different mechanisms. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and A1C tests, which measure average blood sugar over three months, are used to assess their effectiveness.

Directions for Use

What is the usual dose of combination of Gliclazide and Metformin?

Gliclazide is usually taken once or twice a day, with the typical starting dose being 40 to 80 milligrams per day. It is a type of medicine called a sulfonylurea, which helps to lower blood sugar by increasing the amount of insulin, which is a hormone that helps control blood sugar, produced by the pancreas. Metformin is usually taken two or three times a day, with the starting dose often being 500 milligrams per day. It belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides, which work by decreasing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Both medicines are used to manage type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where the body does not use insulin properly. They both help to control blood sugar levels, but they work in different ways to achieve this goal.

How does one take combination of Gliclazide and Metformin?

Gliclazide, which is a medicine used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, should be taken with food to reduce the risk of low blood sugar, which is also known as hypoglycemia. Metformin, which is another medicine for type 2 diabetes, should also be taken with meals to help reduce stomach upset. Both medicines work to lower blood sugar levels, but they do so in different ways. Gliclazide stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, while Metformin decreases glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. People taking these medicines should avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar. It's important to follow a balanced diet and maintain regular meal times to help manage blood sugar levels effectively. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions when taking these medications.

For how long is combination of Gliclazide and Metformin taken?

Gliclazide and Metformin are both used to manage type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where the body does not use insulin properly. The typical duration of use for both medicines is long-term, often for the rest of a person's life, as they help control blood sugar levels. Gliclazide works by increasing the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas, which is an organ that helps regulate blood sugar. Metformin, on the other hand, works by reducing the amount of sugar the liver releases into the blood and improving the body's response to insulin. Both medicines are taken orally, which means they are swallowed in pill form. They are often used together to provide better blood sugar control. However, they should be used as part of a broader treatment plan that includes diet and exercise.

How long does it take for combination of Gliclazide and Metformin to work?

The time it takes for a combination medicine to start working depends on the individual medicines it contains. For example, if the combination includes ibuprofen, which is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug, it typically starts working within 20 to 30 minutes. If it includes paracetamol, which is another pain reliever, it usually begins to work within 30 to 60 minutes. Both medicines are used to relieve pain and reduce fever, which means they share these common attributes. However, ibuprofen also reduces inflammation, which is swelling and redness, while paracetamol does not. When combined, these medicines can provide a broader range of relief, addressing both pain and inflammation more effectively. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use.

How does one store combination of Gliclazide and Metformin?

Gliclazide and Metformin do not require refrigeration. Both medicines should be stored at room temperature, which means keeping them in a place that is not too hot or too cold, ideally between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). It's important to keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture, so storing them in a bathroom is not recommended. Gliclazide, which is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, should be kept in its original packaging to protect it from light and moisture. Metformin, which also helps manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, should be stored in a tightly closed container to keep it dry. Both medications share the common attribute of needing to be stored in a dry place at room temperature, but they have unique packaging requirements to ensure their effectiveness.

Warnings and Precautions

Are there harms and risks from taking combination of Gliclazide and Metformin?

Gliclazide, which is a medication used to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, can cause side effects like low blood sugar, which is also known as hypoglycemia, and weight gain. Some people might experience dizziness or headaches. On the other hand, Metformin, which is another medication for type 2 diabetes, often causes stomach-related issues like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. A serious but rare side effect of Metformin is lactic acidosis, which is a condition where lactic acid builds up in the blood. Both medications aim to control blood sugar levels, but they work differently. Gliclazide stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, while Metformin decreases glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. Despite their differences, both medications can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and should be taken with food to minimize these effects.

Can I take combination of Gliclazide and Metformin with other prescription drugs?

Gliclazide and Metformin are both used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Gliclazide, which is a sulfonylurea, works by increasing insulin production in the pancreas. Metformin, which is a biguanide, helps to lower glucose production in the liver and improve insulin sensitivity. Both drugs can interact with other medications. For Gliclazide, interactions with other drugs that lower blood sugar, like insulin or other sulfonylureas, can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, which is a condition where blood sugar levels drop too low. Metformin can interact with drugs that affect kidney function, as it is cleared by the kidneys, and this can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, which is a rare but serious condition where lactic acid builds up in the blood. Common interactions for both include alcohol, which can affect blood sugar levels, and certain heart medications, which can either increase or decrease their effectiveness.

Can I take combination of Gliclazide and Metformin with vitamins or supplements?

Gliclazide, which is a medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, can interact with certain vitamins and supplements. For instance, it may have interactions with supplements that affect blood sugar levels, such as chromium, which is a mineral that can help improve insulin sensitivity. Metformin, which is another medication used for managing type 2 diabetes, can also interact with vitamins and supplements. It is known to reduce the absorption of vitamin B12, which is important for nerve health and red blood cell production. Both Gliclazide and Metformin share the common goal of controlling blood sugar levels, but they work in different ways. While Gliclazide stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, Metformin decreases glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. It's important for people taking these medications to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new vitamins or supplements.

Can I take combination of Gliclazide and Metformin if I am pregnant?

Gliclazide, which is a medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, is not typically recommended during pregnancy. This is because there is limited information on its safety for pregnant women and the developing baby. On the other hand, Metformin, which is also used to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, is sometimes used during pregnancy, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or gestational diabetes. Metformin is considered safer than Gliclazide during pregnancy, but it should still be used under medical supervision. Both Gliclazide and Metformin work to lower blood sugar levels, but they do so in different ways. Gliclazide stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, which is a hormone that helps control blood sugar. Metformin decreases the amount of sugar produced by the liver and increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. Both medications require careful monitoring during pregnancy to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.

Can I take combination of Gliclazide and Metformin while breastfeeding?

Gliclazide, which is a medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, has limited information available regarding its safety during breastfeeding. It is generally advised to use it with caution, as it may pass into breast milk and affect the baby. Metformin, which is another medication for managing type 2 diabetes, is considered safer during breastfeeding. It passes into breast milk in small amounts and is unlikely to harm the baby. Both medications are used to manage blood sugar levels, but Metformin is often preferred during breastfeeding due to its better safety profile. It is important for breastfeeding mothers to consult their healthcare provider before using these medications to ensure the safety of their baby.

Who should avoid taking combination of Gliclazide and Metformin?

Gliclazide, which is a medication used to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, can cause low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, which refers to dangerously low levels of sugar in the blood. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. People with severe kidney or liver problems should avoid using Gliclazide. Metformin, which is another medication for type 2 diabetes, can cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. It is not recommended for people with severe kidney disease or those who drink excessive alcohol. Both Gliclazide and Metformin should be used with caution in people with heart problems. They share the common goal of controlling blood sugar levels but have different mechanisms and side effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or changing these medications.