GLURENOR ® - Gliquidone

GLURENOR ® a drug based on Gliquidone.

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Oral hypoglycemic agents - Sulfonylureas

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications GLURENOR ® - Gliquidone

GLURENOR ® is indicated for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus.

Mechanism of action GLURENOR ® - Gliquidone

GLURENOR ® is an oral hypoglycemic drug, whose efficacy is closely related to the active ingredient gliquidone, belonging to the pharmaceutical category of sulfonylureas.

As such this active ingredient, taken orally, is rapidly absorbed at the intestinal level, reaching maximum plasma concentration after about 60 - 90 minutes and persisting for about 3 - 4 hours, at the end of which, it is metabolized to the hepatic level in a series of inactive metabolites eliminated mainly via the bile.

Its hypoglycemic efficacy is evidently due to the ability to bind and inhibit the ATP-dependent potassium channel expressed by pancreatic beta cells, facilitating depolarization of the plasma membrane, useful for ensuring the release of insulin.

Several studies seem to agree on the ability of gliquidone to reproduce a post-prandial insulin secretion that is very close to the physiological one and therefore able to guarantee an excellent glycemic control.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. GLIQUIDONE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE DIABETIC TYPE PATIENT

Clinical experience has shown that most patients with type II diabetes tend over time to develop diabetic nephropathy with reduced kidney function. One of the most important limitations of drug therapies in this case is the disposal route of inactive drug metabolites, often urinary. Gliquidone, lends itself very well to the treatment of diabetic patients with nephropathy, given the poor involvement of the kidney in the excretion of the drug.

2. GLURENOR AND PROTECTION FROM OXIDATIVE STRESS

The development of free oxygen radicals and reactive species is one of the most frequent complications of diabetic pathology, which tends over time to associate with macro and microangiopathies and organ damage. Experimental studies have shown that gliquidone can reduce oxidative stress on the liver, supporting the activity of glutathione and counteracting the toxic effect of oxidizing agents.

3. GLIQUIDONE AND DIABETE POST TRANSPLANTATION

The onset of diabetes after kidney transplantation is one of the most important complications, often associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this case treatment with gliquidone was found to be safe and effective in controlling glycemic concentrations, reducing the renal workload.

Method of use and dosage

GLURENOR ® Gliquidone 30 mg tablets:

the formulation of the correct dosage should be established by the doctor after a careful evaluation of the patient's physio-pathological picture, blood glucose levels and responsiveness to therapy.

The dose should generally be between 30 and 120 mg of gliquidone a day.

Warnings GLURENOR ® - Gliquidone

In any case, therapy with GLURENOR ® should be preceded and accompanied by a correct lifestyle and a healthy diet. Periodic monitoring of glycemic levels throughout the treatment plan is fundamental in assessing the efficacy of the therapy and possibly in the formulation of new, more suitable dosages.

The administration of GLURENOR ® should be done with particular care and under strict medical supervision in patients with reduced liver and kidney function.

The risk of hypoglycemia, which occurs following an inappropriate therapy or incorrect eating habits, could make driving cars and the use of machinery dangerous, therefore it is important that the patient is instructed by his doctor on the recognition of possible warning signs of this condition.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Gestational diabetes, a frequent condition in pregnancy and potentially dangerous for the health of the unborn child, is generally treated with hypoglycemic drugs with the most characterized mechanism of action and the greatest safety profile such as insulin.

Consequently under these conditions the use of GLURENOR ® is contraindicated.

Interactions

It is important to consider that the metabolic effect of sulfonylureas can be significantly modulated by the concomitant intake of other active ingredients, making the therapeutic effect of the drug unpredictable.

More precisely it is known as dicumarol and dicumarol derivatives, monoamine oxidase, sulfonamide inhibitors, phenylbutazone, chloramphenicol, cyclophosphamide, probenecid, phenirmidol and salicylates can enhance the therapeutic effect of GLURENOR ® increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, while adrenaline, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives and thiazide diuretics reduce the therapeutic efficacy of gliquidone, making glycemic control unstable.

Interactions with even serious consequences may also occur following the simultaneous use of sulfonylureas and alcohol or warfarin.

Contraindications GLURENOR ® - Gliquidone

GLURENOR ® contraindicated in patients with first-type diabetes mellitus, severe hepatic and renal dysfunction, diabetic precoma and coma, diabetic keto acidosis, hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients and during pregnancy and feeding time

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Despite the therapy with sulfonylureas, and in this case with GLURENOR ® is very well tolerated and free of clinically relevant side effects, it is possible to describe episodes of hypoglycemia in debilitated, elderly patients, suffering from liver diseases or after taking excessive doses of gliquidone.

In this case the symptomatology characterized by headache, reduced alertness, mental confusion, delirium, convulsions, bradycardia, drowsiness and loss of consciousness could be avoided by the administration of sugars.

Sulfonylurea therapy has rarely been associated with gastrointestinal disorders, haematological changes and hypersensitivity skin reactions