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Gliclazide + Metformin

Information about Gliclazide + Metformin

How Gliclazide + Metformin works

Gliclazide + Metformin is a combination of two antidiabetic medicines: Gliclazide and Metformin.

Common side effects of Gliclazide + Metformin

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Headache, Upper respiratory tract infection, Dizziness, Nausea, Diarrhea, Flatulence

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Last updated

18 Feb 2020 | 11:54 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Gliclazide + Metformin

Glizid-MMankind Pharma Ltd

₹44 to ₹18110 variant(s)

Glykind-MMankind Pharma Ltd

₹871 variant(s)

Glykind MMankind Pharma Ltd

₹1122 variant(s)

Dianorm-MMicro Labs Ltd

₹135 to ₹2265 variant(s)

Glycigon-MAristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹34 to ₹1075 variant(s)

Glycinorm-MIpca Laboratories Ltd

₹105 to ₹2175 variant(s)

Cyblex MEris Lifesciences Ltd

₹109 to ₹2026 variant(s)

GLZ PlusAlembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹1541 variant(s)

Azukon-MTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹1521 variant(s)

Expert advice for Gliclazide + Metformin

Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while you are taking this medicine.
It can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
Inform your doctor about your diabetes treatment if you are due to have surgery under a general anesthetic.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any deep or rapid breathing or if you have persistent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain as Gliclazide + Metformin may cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is an excess of lactic acid in the blood.
Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).

Frequently asked questions for Gliclazide + Metformin

Gliclazide + Metformin

Q. What is Gliclazide+Metformin?

Gliclazide+Metformin is a combination of two medicines: Gliclazide and Metformin. This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). It improves blood glucose levels in adults when taken along with proper diet and regular exercise. Gliclazide lowers the blood glucose levels by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas. Metformin works by lowering the glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. This combination is not indicated for the treatment of Type 1 DM.

Q. What are the possible side effects of Gliclazide+Metformin?

The use of Gliclazide+Metformin is associated with common side effects. These side effects may include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), altered taste, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache and upper respiratory tract infection. Its use can also lead to serious but rare side effects like lactic acidosis. On long-term use, it can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Q. Can the use of Gliclazide+Metformin cause hypoglycemia?

Yes, the use of Gliclazide+Metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate and feeling anxious or shaky. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, regular monitoring of blood sugar level is important. Always keep glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you.

Q. Can the use of Gliclazide+Metformin cause lactic acidosis?

Yes, the use of Gliclazide+Metformin can lead to lactic acidosis. It is a medical emergency which is caused by increased levels of lactic acid in the blood. It is also known as MALA (Metformin associated lactic acidosis). It is a rare side effect associated with the use of metformin. It is avoided in patients with underlying kidney disease, old age patients or who take large amounts of alcohol. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, tiredness, feeling of cold in arms and legs, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or slow heart rate. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Gliclazide+Metformin and immediately consult your doctor.

Q. Can the use of Gliclazide+Metformin lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Yes, the use of Gliclazide+Metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency on long-term use. The deficiency occurs as the medicine interferes with absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems and the patient can have tingling sensation and numbness in hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, change in mental status and difficulty in maintaining balance (ataxia). To avoid such problems, some researchers suggest an intake of vitamin B12 from outside sources at least once every year.

Q. Are there any specific conditions in which Gliclazide+Metformin should not to be taken?

The use of Gliclazide+Metformin should be avoided in patients with known allergy to any of the component or excipients of this medicine. It is also avoided in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease or with underlying metabolic acidosis including diabetic ketoacidosis.

Q. Is it safe to take alcohol while I am also taking Gliclazide+Metformin?

No, it is not safe to take alcohol along with Gliclazide+Metformin. It may lower your low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and can increase the chances of lactic acidosis.