How does Apo-Gliclazide (Gliclazide) work:

Apo-Gliclazide contains the active ingredient gliclazide. Apo-Gliclazide is used to control blood glucose in patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus. This type of diabetes is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity onset diabetes. Apo-Gliclazide is used when diet and exercise are not enough to control your blood glucose. Gliclazide belongs to a group of medicines called the sulfonylureas.

Apo-Gliclazide works by increasing the amount of insulin produced by your pancreas. Glucose is used by the body as fuel, and all people have glucose circulating in their blood. In diabetes, levels of blood glucose are higher than is needed. This is called hyperglycaemia.

Dosage & Administration:

Follow all directions by your physician or pharmacist carefully. Your physician will tell you how many tablets you need to take. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.

The usual dose of Apo-Gliclazide is 1-4 tablets a day. Your physician may increase or decrease the dose, depending on your blood glucose levels. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush the tablets or break them. Gliclazide can be used alone, or together with other medicines for treating diabetes. If you do not understand any instructions, ask your physician or pharmacist for help.

Side Effects:

• stomach upset
• nausea
• vomiting
• heartburn
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• weariness
• dizziness
• headache
• mild rash
• fever
• severe chills
• sore throat
• mouth ulcers
• tiredness
• short of breath
• bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
• rash or itching of the skin
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• vomiting blood
• angina

Precautions:

Tell your physician if you have allergies to any other medicines, any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes. Always tell your physician if you have kidney problems, liver problems, insulinoma, a history of diabetic coma, adrenal, pituitary or thyroid problems, or heart failure.

Also tell your physician if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.