Glimin 160mg/500mg tablet

Introduction

How To Use

• Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water.
• Take this medicine before food.
• Swallow it as a whole, do not crush or chew the medicine.
• Take it at the same time to help you remember.
• Or use it exactly as instructed by your doctor.

Expert Advice

Avoid this medication if:

• You are allergic to this medicine or its contents. 

Consult your doctor if:

• You are pregnant, planning to have a child, or breastfeeding.
• You are about to undergo any surgical or dental procedure.
• You have any sort of digestive problems.
• You have a medical history of: Liver diseases, kidney diseases, thyroid problems, blood disorders, etc.
• Inform your physician about any other medication you are taking. Especially NSAIDs and thyroid medicines.

Be careful about:

• Staying regular with the time of the dose. Take each dose according to the time prescribed, and make sure the dose is repeated on the same time, every day. 
• Having your meals on time to maintain blood sugar levels.
• Taking the medicine timely, in the way that your physician has prescribed (usually before breakfast).
• Following the lifestyle changes that your physician has suggested.
• Alcohol consumption (it should be avoided.)

Primary Uses

Indications

Gliclazide is indicated to manage diabetes mellitus type II (Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) along with proper exercise and diet control.

Side Effects

Patients using this medicine might experience:

1. Nausea
2. Diarrhea
3. Skin rash
4. Itching
5. Easy bruising
6. Fever
7. Weakness
8. Hypoglycemia
9. Fever
10. Trembling.

Contraindications

Do not use this medicine if you have any of the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity to Gliclazide or other sulfonylureas
• Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (Type-I)
• Diabetic precoma or ketoacidosis
• Severe kidney or liver diseases
• Severe infection, trauma, or surgery.

FAQS

What family of drugs does this medicine belong to?

It belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfonylureas. These drugs are used in the treatment of diabetes.

Does this medicine contain hormones, or insulin?

No, this drug does not contain hormones, or insulin

Can this medicine cause low blood sugar?

This is a possible side effect, but can be avoided if meals and doses are taken regularly. Try to carry sugar or a sugary drink in case you experience lightheadedness, or any other symptoms of low blood sugar.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

You can take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you remember when it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose entirely. Do not double your dose to catch up for missed doses.

What will happen if I skip a meal?

If you are not regular with your meals, you may experience symptoms of low blood sugar: Such as palpitation, sweating, dizziness, light headedness etc. In this case, taking sugar can relieve your symptoms.

How does this medicine work?

It works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas and helps lowering the blood glucose.

Can this drug be used in Type 1 diabetes?

No, this drug cannot be used in type 1 diabetes.

Is this drug a sulfa drug?

Yes, Chlorpropamide is a sulfa drug which belongs to the group of sulphonylureas.

Can this medication cause hypoglycemia?

This medicine may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if used with other anti-diabetic medication and insulin.

How can I prevent low blood sugar while using this drug?

When taking this medication, you are advised to not skip your meals and take them regularly to prevent low blood sugar.

Can I experience dizziness or blurred vision?

Yes, you may experience dizziness or blurred vision as a side effect of this medication and if you experience low blood sugar.

Can this medicine help lower my HBA1C?

Yes, this medicine can definitely help in lowering your HBA1C.

Can this medication cause a stomach upset?

Yes, this medicine may cause a stomach upset as a side effect of this medication.

Can this medication make me sensitive to sun light?

Yes. This medicine may make you more sensitive to sunlight therefore; limit your time and exposure to sun. In case you develop any redness or skin blisters, please consult your doctor immediately.

Can I use this medication during pregnancy?

Please consult your physician before using this medicine during pregnancy.

Can this medicine be used in breast-feeding?

This drug passes into breast milk. Therefore; avoid using this medication during lactation. Consult your doctor for further assistance.

Can I use this drug if I have a heart condition?

Yes, you can take this drug if you have a heart disease. Please refer to your doctor further assistance.

Can I take this medicine if I am taking beta-blockers?

Please consult your doctor if you are taking beta blockers because it may affect the activity of this drug.

Can I gain weight by using this medication?

Yes, you may gain weight as a side effect of using this medicine. Please consult your doctor if experience any such problem.

Can this medication be used if I have liver or kidney impairment?

It is advised to use this medicine very cautiously if you have a liver or kidney disease. Please consult your doctor before using this medication.

What family of drugs does this medicine belong to?

Metformin belongs to a class of drugs known as biguanides. It is used to improve insulin activity, and control weight in diabetic patients. It is also known to regulate menstrual cycles (periods) and is used in the treatment of PCOs (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease.)

Does this medicine contain hormones, or insulin?

No, this drug does not contain hormones, or insulin,. It enhances the effect of insulin, which helps patients with diabetes or PCOs, since their bodies tend to develop a resistance to the actions of insulin.

Can this drug be used with thyroid medications, and steroids?

Though there is no dangerous drug interaction, an adjustment in doses of both anti thyroid drugs, and steroids (eg: prednisone) may be required. It should be noted that patients taking steroids sometimes develop diabetes as a side effect. Please consult your physician, and discuss all the medicines you are taking, including their doses.

What is lactic acidosis and does this medication cause it?

Lactic acidosis is a very rare, and potentially fatal side effect of this medication. It occurs when there is an excessive buildup of lactic acid in the body. It may occur in patients who have overdosed. Symptoms include stomach problems, dizziness, breathing difficulty, muscle aches, irregular heartbeat, etc. Patients who experience these symptoms should go to a doctor immediately.

How long should I use this medicine for?

Please use this medicine for the time that has been prescribed, and in the dose prescribed by your physician. Using it for longer than prescribed can cause side effects such as Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Can this medicine cause low blood sugar?

Low blood sugar is rare with Metformin, but it is a possible side effect, especially if you are taking other anti-diabetic drugs. Please maintain regularity in meals, dosage, and exercise to maintain blood sugar levels, and continue monitoring sugar levels. Also carry sugar or a sugary drink in case you feel dizzy, or develop any other sign of low blood sugar.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

You can take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you remember when it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose entirely. Do not double your dose to catch up for missed doses.

What will happen if I skip a meal?

It is important to maintain regularity in meals, and exercise. Low blood sugar is rare, but may occur if you are taking other anti-diabetic medication.

Will this medicine make me loose or gain weight?

Weight gain is unlikely with this medicine, however, it does cause weight loss. This is because it improves the actions of insulin, and decreases hunger. Please take note that this drug is not a medicine which treats weight loss, and should only be used if prescribed by your physician. This medicine may, however, cause bloating. It is best taken after meals to avoid this side effect.

Can this medication cause any Vitamin deficiency or anemia?

This medication can result in a vitamin B12 deficiency after being used for a long time, and this can cause anemia. Please discuss with your doctor if you are already anemic, or if you start experiencing symptoms such as paleness, weakness, lethargy, etc.

Is it safe to use in patients with liver disease?

In patients who have fatty liver, and hepatitis C related liver disease, it is safe and is recommended. However, it is discouraged in patients who have liver cirrhosis, due to its association with lactic acidosis.