Gliclazide

Diabetes medicine (sulfonylurea)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Gliclazide is a diabetes medicine (sulfonylurea) found in 4 medicines sold in India, such as Glizid 80, Diamicron XR 60, Glizid 40. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Lowers blood sugar by making the pancreas release more insulin.

How it works

A sulfonylurea that makes the pancreas release more insulin.

How to take it

Usually 40 to 160 mg with breakfast (or twice daily); slow-release 30 to 120 mg once a day with breakfast. Do not skip meals.

Common side effects

  • Low blood sugar
  • Weight gain
  • Stomach upset

Get medical help straight away if

Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion or fainting (take 15 g of sugar such as glucose or juice, then food)

Be careful

Can cause low sugar; do not skip meals.

Other medicines and interactions

Low sugar more likely with alcohol, fluconazole, clarithromycin and other diabetes medicines; beta blockers can hide signs.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Usually switched to insulin in pregnancy; not recommended while breastfeeding.

Brands of Gliclazide (3)

Diamicron XR 60Glizid 40Glizid 80

Combination medicines that contain Gliclazide (1)

Glizid-M

Common questions

What is Gliclazide used for?

Lowers blood sugar by making the pancreas release more insulin.

How does Gliclazide work?

A sulfonylurea that makes the pancreas release more insulin.

How should I take Gliclazide?

Usually 40 to 160 mg with breakfast (or twice daily); slow-release 30 to 120 mg once a day with breakfast. Do not skip meals.

What are the side effects of Gliclazide?

Common: Low blood sugar, weight gain, stomach upset. Get help straight away for: Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion or fainting (take 15 g of sugar such as glucose or juice, then food).

Does Gliclazide interact with other medicines?

Low sugar more likely with alcohol, fluconazole, clarithromycin and other diabetes medicines; beta blockers can hide signs.

Is Gliclazide safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Usually switched to insulin in pregnancy; not recommended while breastfeeding.

Does Gliclazide need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Gliclazide?

Diamicron XR 60, Glizid 40, Glizid 80, Glizid-M.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.