gliclazide

Gliclazide is an oral antihyperglycemic agent classified as a second-generation sulfonylurea used primarily to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by stimulating pancreatic beta cells to release insulin, thereby increasing both basal and meal-stimulated insulin secretion. Additionally, it enhances peripheral glucose utilization and decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis. Gliclazide has a shorter half-life and higher potency compared to first-generation sulfonylureas. It is extensively metabolized in the liver with metabolites excreted via urine and feces. The drug may cause hypoglycemia especially in elderly or malnourished patients and is associated with some weight gain but less than insulin therapy. Clinical studies show gliclazide effectively lowers fasting plasma glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c levels but may have less impact on liver function improvement or weight loss compared to other antidiabetics like liraglutide or metformin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Brand names

DiamicronGlizidGlylocReclideGlubitor-ODClizid

Other names

格列齐特