Diamicron is an oral tablet made up of an oral hypoglycemic drug called gliclazide. This medication is available as a generic alternative in 80mg!

Diamicron is a diabetes type 2 medication used to control blood sugar when diet, exercise and weight reduction have not be successful alone without medications. Diabetes type 2 has many risk factors, those who suffer from diabetes may also risk kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs and sexual function, due to an excess amount of sugar in their blood. Additionally, diabetes can cause heart attacks and strokes if not treated.

Gliclazide helps to lessen these risks in people with diabetes by lowering the  blood sugar levels. It does this by releasing insulin from your pancreas. When insulin is released, it helps with the relocating of sugar in your bloodstream to the cells in your body, which provides it with energy. This process reduces sugar levels in the blood.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Instructions can usually also be found on the prescription or prescription bottle/container.

Recommended dose: 40mg (half tablet) to 320mg (4 tablets).

If you take more than 2 tablets (160mg) in a day, tablets must be taken in divided doses; take one in the morning and one in the evening.

This medication is for oral use only and should be taken with a full glass of water. Avoid chewing or crushing these tablets.

After taking Diamicron, ensure to eat a meal.

The first few weeks of treatment could increase risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) be sure to monitor yourself for signs of hypoglycaemia (see side effects).

While taking Diamicron, you should also follow a regular diet, take the medication at the same time every day and check your glucose levels often.

Alcohol may increase sensitivity to side effects, especially those who are older in age.

This medication could cause anemia.

Speak to your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, pregnant, breastfeeding or take other medications for other conditions. You may need a dose adjustment or extra precaution when taking Diamicron.

This medication (Diamicron) should not be used by anyone who is:

• allergic to gliclazide or any ingredients of the medication
• allergic to other sulfonylureas (such as glyburide) or sulfonamides (such as sulfamethoxazole)
• pregnant or breast-feeding
• taking some form of miconazole (ask your doctor or pharmacist for details)
• undergoing surgery or have suffered from recent severe trauma
• experiencing a serious infection
• experiencing severely reduced kidney or liver function
• diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or
• has unstable diabetes or ketoacidosis (high ketones in urine)

Common side effects of Diamicron (gliclazide) may include:

abdominal pain back, muscle, or joint pain constipation diarrhea dizziness headache heartburn increased skin sensitivity to sun nausea vomiting

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Diamicron (gliclazide) may include:

chest pain or pressure and/or shortness of breath seizures unconsciousness skin rash or hives unexpected weight gain

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Signs to watch for:

Hypoglycaemia- Shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, irritability or moodiness, anxiety or nervousness,

Anemia- tiredness, pale skin, noticeable heartbeats, headaches and dizziness, feeling short of breath, dry and damaged hair and skin, sore or swollen tongue and mouth, restless legs and brittle or spoon-shaped nails.

liver problems- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools.

Is this medication safe to use when pregnant?

It is not recommended you take Diamicron while pregnant; speak to your doctor about the risks.

What will increase my risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)?

You can increase your risk for low blood sugar by skipping meals, if you drink alcohol, if you take other medications at the same time, take doses of gliclazide that are too high or if you change your diet.

What are some medication types that interact with Diamicron?

Some medications that interact with this product include medicines containing alcohol, medicines to treat depression, stomach ulcers, fungal infections, other medicines used to treat high blood sugar, and antibiotics. This is not a complete list.

Can I give my child Diamicron?

It is not recommended to give this medication to a child. Consult your doctor to learn more.