Gliclazide
Also known as: Diamicron
What it's for
Gliclazide helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. It makes your pancreas produce more insulin. It is often used with metformin when metformin alone is not enough.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 40mg to 80mg with breakfast, increased if needed.
- Modified-release: Usually 30mg once a day with breakfast.
- Take with your first meal of the day.
- Do not skip meals while taking gliclazide.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) - see urgent section
- Stomach pain or feeling sick
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Weight gain
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Can cause low blood sugar - know the warning signs
- Always carry glucose tablets or sugary snacks
- Do not skip meals
- Alcohol increases risk of low blood sugar
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems
Get medical help urgently if…
- Signs of low blood sugar: sweating, shakiness, confusion, hunger, fast heartbeat - eat sugar immediately
- You cannot eat or are vomiting
- You have severe low blood sugar and cannot treat it yourself
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.