DIAMICRON ® - Gliclazide

DIAMICRON ® a Gliclazide based drug.

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Oral hypoglycemic agents - Sulfonylureas

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

Directions DIAMICRON ® - Gliclazide

DIAMICRON ® is used in the treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with type II diabetes, not adequately compensated by non-pharmacological measures such as physical activity and healthy eating.

Mechanism of action DIAMICRON ® - Gliclazide

Gliclazide, active ingredient of DIAMICRON ® is a second generation sulfonylurea in that it is characterized by a hypoglycemic action that lasts over time and is more intense than that of glibenclamide, despite the fact that the mechanism of action remains almost unchanged.

In fact, even this active ingredient, taken orally, is able to reach the pancreas, and more specifically the pancreatic Beta cells, thus stimulating both immediate and late insulin secretion.

From the molecular point of view this activity is essentially related to the ability to inhibit a potassium channel belonging to the Sur family, facilitating the depolarization of the cell membrane, useful for ensuring the release of insulin.

However, the therapeutic efficacy of gliclazide in the treatment of type II diabetes does not seem to be correlated solely to the aforementioned metabolic property, since it is also able to inhibit platelet adhesiveness, reducing the risk of vascular complications and the progression of processes. of microthrombosis.

Once its action is over, it is metabolized to the hepatic level and eliminated as inactive metabolites predominantly through the urine.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. GLYCLAZIDE: HYPOGLYCAEMISTS WITH PROTECTIVE EFFECTS

Macro and microangiopathy are the most common complications of diabetic pathology and often the main cause of death. In this study it was possible to observe how the administration of gliclazide can protect the vessels from damage caused by advanced glycosylation products, recording a significant decrease in the concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, involved in the genesis of vasculopathies.

2. GLYCLAZIDE AND GLYCEMIC CONTROL

Very interesting study conducted for 5 years that showed how the administration of gliclazide can significantly reduce the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin from 7.5% to 6%, without weight gain and above all ensuring a good glycemic control, with only very rare cases of hypoglycemia.

3. GLYCLAZIDE: NEW RELEASE METHODS

One of the most important goals of pharmacological research is to develop new drug release systems that make the therapeutic effect more gradual and lasting. In this case the development of a chitosan-based delivery system has shown a better therapeutic power as well as a longer duration of action.

Method of use and dosage

DIAMICRON ® Gliclazide 30 mg tablets:

as with all hypoglycemic therapies the initial dose of DIAMICRON ® should be that of a daily tablet taken orally during breakfast.

The definitive dosage should instead be formulated on the basis of the blood glucose values recorded and adapted to the patient's physiopathological condition, to its therapeutic objectives and to blood glucose concentrations.

Generally the maximum recommended dose is 120 mg of gliclazide per day, beyond which no better therapeutic effects are observed.

Warnings DIAMICRON ® - Gliclazide

Before starting the drug treatment, it would be useful and necessary to improve one's lifestyle by increasing the level of physical activity where possible and taking proper care of one's diet.

Often these two non-pharmacological measures already allow the second type of diabetic patient to significantly improve glycemic values, bringing them back within a normal range.

In cases of failure, on the other hand, one could therefore resort to the use of oral hypoglycemic agents such as DIAMICRON ® to always be combined with a correct diet.

A balanced diet becomes the only method to guarantee a good maintenance of glycemic control during therapy, avoiding unpleasant hypoglycemic episodes.

All diabetic patients and especially those suffering from other endocrine dysfunctions or impaired hepatic and renal function should periodically monitor blood glucose levels in order to adapt drug therapy, always with a view to maintaining the correct glucose homeostasis.

Use of machinery or driving vehicles could become dangerous in the event of hypoglycaemia associated with inadequate therapy or diet.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Despite the fact that gliclazide has not been directly associated with the appearance of alterations or congenital malformations of the fetus, like other oral hypoglycemic agents, it is contraindicated both during gestation and in the subsequent period of lactation.

It is preferred to treat gestational diabetes, with more effective and better characterized drugs such as insulin.

Interactions

The enhancement of the hypoglycemic activity of gliclazide, with a consequent increased risk of hypoglycemia, could be registered following the concomitant intake of DIAMICRON ® and miconazole, phenylbutazone, alcohol, other antidiabetic agents, beta blockers, fluconazole and ACE inhibitors.

On the contrary, an incorrect glycemic control, this time in excess, could occur following the simultaneous administration of chlorpromazine (neuroleptic) and glucorticoids.

In both cases, it would be necessary to review the hypoglycemic dose used, adapting it to the new metabolic condition.

It should also be remembered that gliclazide could alter the anticoagulant activity of warfarin, enhancing its effects.

Contraindications DIAMICRON ® - Gliclazide

DIAMICRON ® is 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

One of the most important side effects, commonly associated with oral hypoglycemic therapy, therefore DIAMICRON ® therapy, is hypoglycaemia which could occur following excessive drug intake or an unbalanced diet.

In this case the symptomatology, characterized by headache, reduced alertness, mental confusion, delirium, convulsions, bradycardia, drowsiness and loss of consciousness can be avoided by the rapid intake of simple carbohydrates.

Adverse reactions such as gastro-intestinal pain and affections, dermatological reactions on an allergic basis, changes in the hematology and liver function were observed only in a few cases and in predisposed patients.

In any case, a prompt regression of the symptomatology was possible once DIAMICRON ® therapy was suspended