From the Guidelines
Gliclazide can cause several side effects, with hypoglycemia being the most common and potentially serious one, as it can be prolonged and life-threatening, especially in the elderly 1. The most significant concern with gliclazide is hypoglycemia, which can be characterized by symptoms like sweating, shakiness, confusion, and dizziness when blood sugar drops too low. Other common side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort
- Weight gain of approximately 2 kg, which occurs because gliclazide stimulates insulin production, promoting glucose uptake and storage 1
- Skin reactions like rash, itching, or photosensitivity may develop in some individuals Less commonly, gliclazide can cause:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Visual disturbances Rare but serious side effects include:
- Blood disorders (like reduced white blood cell or platelet counts)
- Liver problems
- Severe skin reactions According to the most recent evidence, patients taking gliclazide should be aware of the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when meals are skipped or during increased physical activity, and should monitor their blood glucose regularly 1. It is essential to note that gliclazide is preferable to other sulfonylureas like chlorpropamide and glibenclamide due to its lower risk of hypoglycemia 1.
From the Research
Gliclazide Side Effects
- The most common side effects of Gliclazide include hypoglycemia, weight gain, and increased risk of cardiovascular events 2, 3, 4.
- Hypoglycemic events are less frequent with Gliclazide compared to other sulfonylureas, but the risk is still present, especially in patients with renal impairment 3, 4.
- Gliclazide has been shown to have a low risk of hypoglycemic episodes and beneficial long-term cardiovascular safety in observational cohorts 3.
- The risk of hypoglycaemia in current users of Gliclazide is similar to other sulphonylureas, but higher than metformin 4.
- Gliclazide may cause other side effects such as:
Special Considerations
- Patients with renal impairment should be cautious when using Gliclazide, as the risk of hypoglycaemia is increased in these patients 4.
- The risk of hypoglycaemia is also increased in patients taking high doses of Gliclazide 4.
- Gliclazide should be used with caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, as the risk of cardiovascular events is still present 2, 3.