Consumer medicine information

APO-Gliclazide MR Tablets

Gliclazide

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

APO-Gliclazide MR

Active ingredient

Gliclazide

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using APO-Gliclazide MR Tablets.

SUMMARY CMI

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR Tablets

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR contains the active ingredient gliclazide. APO-GLICLAZIDE MR is used to control blood glucose in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet and exercise are not enough to control your blood glucose.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to gliclazide, or other sulphonylurea, sulfonamide (sulfur) antibiotics, certain types of fluid tablets (thiazide diuretics), or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with APO-GLICLAZIDE MR and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?

Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water at about the same time each day, usually with breakfast.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?

Things you should do
  • Tell any doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR.
  • Check your blood glucose levels regularly to know if your diabetes is being controlled properly.
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop taking it or change the dose without checking with your doctor.
  • Do not skip meals while taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR.
Driving or using machines
  • APO-GLICLAZIDE MR may cause dizziness and drowsiness in some people. Drinking alcohol can make this worse. If either of these occur, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Drinking alcohol
  • If you drink alcohol while taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR, you may get flushing, headache, breathing difficulties, rapid heart beat, stomach pains or feel sick and vomit.
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep APO-GLICLAZIDE MR Tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature is below 30°C.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

There are a number of side effects associated with this medicine. It is important to be aware of them so that you can identify any symptoms if they occur (see the full CMI for more details). The serious side effects are: Skin rash, redness itching and/or hives, blisters, angioedema (rapid swelling of tissues such as eyelids, face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat that may result in breathing difficulty), and rash progressing to widespread blistering or peeling of the skin and may be the first sign of rare life-threatening conditions. The common side effects are Hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia (for more information, see section on recognising and treating hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia), runny or blocked nose, sneezing, facial pressure or pain, bronchitis, sore throat and discomfort when swallowing, upper respiratory infection, coughing, back pain, arthralgia, arthrosis, high blood pressure, chest pain, headache, unusual weakness, viral infection, urinary tract infection, dizziness, stomach upset with symptoms like feeling sick, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR Tablets

Active ingredient: gliclazide

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR tablets. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR against the benefits this medicine is expected to have for you.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator if you have any concerns about taking this medicine.

Keep this leaflet with your medicine. You may need to read it again.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?
2. What should I know before I use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?
5. What should I know while using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR contains the active ingredient gliclazide. APO-GLICLAZIDE MR belongs to a group of medicines called sulphonylureas. The medicine releases the active ingredient gliclazide progressively over 24 hours. Glucose is used by the body as fuel, and all people have glucose circulating in their blood. In diabetes, levels of blood glucose are higher than is needed, which is also known as hyperglycaemia. If your blood glucose is not properly controlled, you may experience hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose). High blood glucose can lead to serious problems with our heart, circulation and/or kidneys. It is very important to control high blood glucose whether or not you feel unwell. This really helps to avoid serious long-term health problems, which can involve the heart, eyes, circulation, and/or kidneys. APO-GLICLAZIDE MR is used to control blood glucose (sugar) in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. This type of diabetes is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), or maturity-onset diabetes. APO-GLICLAZIDE MR is used when diet and exercise are not enough to control your blood glucose properly. It lowers blood glucose by increasing the amount of insulin (a hormone that controls blood glucose levels) produced by your pancreas. As with many medicines used for the treatment of diabetes, there is a possibility that blood glucose levels may become very low during treatment with APO-GLICLAZIDE MR. This is known as hypoglycaemia. For more information, see “Recognising and treating hyPOglyacemia”, Section 5. What should I know while using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR can be used alone or together with insulin or other medicines for treating diabetes.

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR is not addictive.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why APO-GLICLAZIDE MR has been prescribed for you.

2. What should I know before I use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?

Warnings

Do not use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR if:

  • you are allergic to:
    - medicines containing gliclazide or any other sulphonylurea
    - sulfonamide (sulfur) antibiotics
    - certain types of fluid or water tablets (thiazide diuretics)
    - any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
    Symptoms of an allergic reaction to APO-GLICLAZIDE MR, or to these medicines, may include skin rash, itchiness or hives, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, muscle pain or tenderness or joint pain. If you are not sure if you have an allergy to APO-GLICLAZIDE MR, check with your doctor
  • you have any of the following medical conditions:
    - type 1 diabetes mellitus (also known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), or juvenile-onset diabetes)
    - unstable diabetes that is not well controlled
    - diabetic ketoacidosis (a problem which affects the acidity of your blood and can lead to coma-which is mainly associated with type 1 diabetes).
    - severe liver disease
    - severe kidney disease
    - you are taking an antibiotic medicine containing the active ingredient miconazole
  • you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
  • the expiry date (Exp.) printed on the pack has passed.
  • the packaging shows signs of tampering or the tablets do not look quite right.

If you are not sure whether you should be taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR, talk to your doctor.

For children

Do not give APO-GLICLAZIDE MR to a child. There is no experience with the use of gliclazide in children.

For older people

Elderly people can generally use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR safely. There are no special instructions for older people taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you:

  • have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
  • have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
    - liver problems
    - kidney problems
    - a history of diabetic coma
    - heart failure
    - adrenal, pituitary or thyroid problems.
  • are allergic to any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet; to any other medicines, or to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
  • have a family history of or know you have the hereditary condition glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (abnormality of red blood cells), lowering of the haemoglobin level and breakdown of red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia) can occur.
  • have any medical condition, or do anything, that may increase the risk of hyperglycaemia - for example:
    - you are ill or feeling unwell (especially with fever or infection).
    - you are injured.
    - you are having surgery.
    - you are taking less exercise than normal.
    - you are eating more carbohydrate than normal.
    - drinking alcoholic drinks.
    - not eating regular meals.
    - taking more exercise than usual.
  • take any medicines for any other condition.

Alcohol, diet, exercise and your general health all strongly affect the control of your diabetes.

Discuss these with your doctor.

If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before you start taking or are given APO-GLICLAZIDE MR.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

This medicine may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.

Insulin is more suitable for controlling blood glucose during pregnancy. Your doctor will usually replace APO-GLICLAZIDE MR with insulin while you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR passes into breast milk and your baby may be harmed.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may be affected by APO-GLICLAZIDE MR or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.

Your doctor will advise you.

Some medicines may lead to low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) by increasing the blood glucose lowering effect of APO-GLICLAZIDE MR. These include:

  • some medicines used to treat fungal or yeast infections (miconazole which is contraindicated)
  • alcohol
  • other medicines used to treat diabetes (such as biguanides and insulin)
  • some medicines used to treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions (including angiotensin receptor blocker, beta-blockers)
  • some medicines used to treat depression and other mental illness (MAOIs)
  • some cholesterol-lowering medicines (clofibrate)
  • some medicines used to treat arthritis, pain and inflammation (including high dose aspirin, ibuprofen, phenylbutazone)
  • some antibiotics (chloramphenicol; tetracyclines; long-acting sulphonamides)
  • some medicines used to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers

Some medicines may lead to high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) by weakening the blood glucose lowering effect of APO-GLICLAZIDE MR. These include:

  • alcohol
  • some medicines for epilepsy (danazol)
  • some medicines used to treat depression and other mental illness (chlorpromazine)
  • some hormones used in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives (oestrogen, progesterone)
  • St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) preparations used to treat depression
  • some medicines for asthma (salbutamol, intravenous terbutaline).
  • barbiturates, medicines used for sedation
  • glucocorticoids

Some medicines may lead to unstable blood glucose (low blood sugar and high blood sugar) when taken at the same time as APO-GLICLAZIDE MR, especially in elderly patients. These include:

  • A class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones.

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR may change the effects of some other medicines. These include:

  • some medicines used to prevent blood clots (warfarin)

You may need different amounts of your medicine or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines. They also have a more complete list of medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if you are taking any of these medicines.

4. How do I use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?

How much to take

Take Gliclazide tablets exactly as your doctor has prescribed.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions on the box ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take each day. They may increase or decrease the dose, depending on your blood glucose levels.

When to take / use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water. APO-GLICLAZIDE MR tablets can be broken in half. However, they should not be crushed or chewed.

Crushing or chewing the tablets may change the effectiveness of the tablet.

It is important to take your APO-GLICLAZIDE MR at the same time each day, usually with breakfast.

Taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR with food can help to minimise the risk of hypoglycaemia.

If you forget to use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR should be used regularly at the same time each day, usually with breakfast. If you miss your dose at the usual time, take another as soon as possible. Then go on as before.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as you remember (with food), then go back to taking your tablets as you would normally.

Missed doses can cause high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia).

If you are not sure whether to skip the dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you double a dose, this may cause low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia).

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you use too much APO-GLICLAZIDE MR

If you think that you have used too much APO-GLICLAZIDE MR, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

If you take too much APO-GLICLAZIDE MR together with other medicines for diabetes or alcohol, you may experience symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia).

If not treated quickly, these symptoms may progress to loss of co-ordination, slurred speech, confusion, loss of consciousness and fitting.

At the first signs of hypoglycaemia, raise your blood glucose quickly by following the instructions at “Recognising and treating hyPOglycaemia”, Section 5. What should I know while using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?

If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately get medical help.

5. What should I know while using APO-GLICLAZIDE MR?

Things you should do

If you become pregnant while you are taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR, tell your doctor.

Tell all doctors, dentists, pharmacists and diabetes educators who are involved with your treatment that you are taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR.

If you are about to start any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR.

Take APO-GLICLAZIDE MR exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Otherwise you may not get the full benefits from treatment.

Continue taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR for as long as your doctor recommends. Make sure you keep enough APO-GLICLAZIDE MR to last over weekends and holidays. APO-GLICLAZIDE MR will help control your diabetes but will not (cure) it. Therefore, you may have to take it for a long time.

Make sure you check your blood glucose levels regularly. This is the best way to tell if your diabetes is being controlled properly. Your doctor or diabetes educator will show you how and when to do this.

Make sure that you, your friends, family, and work colleagues can recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and know how to treat them.
Instructions for recognising and treating hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia in this this section can help you with this.

Visit your doctor regularly so that they can check on your progress. Carefully follow your doctor's and dietician's advice on diet, drinking alcohol and exercise.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice the return of any symptoms of hyperglycaemia that you had before starting APO-GLICLAZIDE MR.

These may include lethargy or tiredness, headache, thirst, passing large amounts of urine and blurred vision. These may be signs that APO-GLICLAZIDE MR is no longer working, even though you may have been taking it successfully for some time.

Protect your skin when you are in the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm.

Sulphonylureas (the group of medicines that APO-GLICLAZIDE MR belongs to) may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight may cause a skin rash, itching, redness, or a severe sunburn.

If outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a 30+ sunscreen. Also, be especially careful not to let your blood glucose levels fall too low.

If you are travelling, it is a good idea to:

  • wear some form of identification showing you have diabetes.
  • carry some form of sugar to treat hypoglycaemia if it occurs, for example, sugar sachets or jelly beans.
  • carry emergency food rations in case of a delay, for example, dried fruit, biscuits or muesli bars.
  • keep APO-GLICLAZIDE MR readily available.

If you become sick with a cold, fever or flu, it is very important to continue taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR, even if you feel unable to eat your normal meal. If you have trouble eating solid food, use sugar-sweetened drinks as a carbohydrate substitute or eat small amounts of bland food.

Your diabetes educator or dietician can give you a list of foods to use for sick days.

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • notice the return of any symptoms of APO-GLICLAZIDE MR. These may include lethargy or tiredness, headache, thirst, passing large amounts of urine and blurred vision. These may be signs that APO-GLICLAZIDE MR is no longer working, even though you.
  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • notice your skin does appear to be burning despite wearing protective clothing and using a 30+ sunscreen outdoors.
  • Develop/get any new medical condition, or do anything unusual, that may increase the risk of hyperglycaemia-for example:
    - you are ill or feeling unwell (especially with fever or infection);
    - you are injured;
    - you are having surgery;
    - taking less APO-GLICLAZIDE MR than prescribed;
    - you are taking less exercise than normal;
    - you are eating more carbohydrate than normal;
    - drinking alcoholic drinks;
    - not eating regular meals;
    - taking more exercise than usual.

Remind any doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or diabetes educators you visit that you are APO-GLICLAZIDE MR

Things you should not do

  • Do not stop using this medicine or change the dosage, without checking with your doctor.
  • Do not give APO-GLICLAZIDE MR to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not use APO-GLICLAZIDE MR to treat other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not skip meals while taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR

Recognising and treating hyPOglycaemia (very LOW blood sugar levels)

Hypoglycaemia may occur during APO-GLICLAZIDE MR treatment.

The first signs of hypoglycaemia are usually weakness, trembling or shaking, sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, headache or lack of concentration, irritability, tearfulness,hunger, and/ or numbness around the lips and tongue.

At the first signs of hypoglycaemia take some sugar to raise your blood sugar level quickly.

Do this by eating 5 to 7 jelly beans, 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey, drinking half a can of non-diet soft drink, taking 2-3 glucose tablets or a tube of glucose gel.

Then take some extra carbohydrates

such as plain biscuits, fruit or milk - unless you are within 10-15 minutes of your next meal. Taking this extra carbohydrate will help to prevent a second drop in your blood glucose level.

If not treated quickly, hypoglycaemia symptoms may progress to loss of co-ordination, slurred speech, confusion, fits or loss of consciousness.

If hypoglycaemia symptoms do not get better straight away after taking sugar then go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital - if necessary by calling an ambulance.

Contact your doctor or diabetes educator for advice if you are concerned about hypoglycaemia.

Recognising and treating hyPERglycaemia (HIGH blood sugar levels)

Some people may feel fine when their glucose levels are high. Others notice symptoms of hyperglycaemia like tiredness, lack of energy, thirst, passing large amounts of urine, headache, and/or blurred vision.

If you notice symptoms of hyperglycaemia, or your blood sugar levels are high, tell your doctor immediately. You may need adjustments of the dose or type of medicines you are taking.

It is very important to control high blood glucose whether or not you feel unwell. This really helps to avoid serious long-term health Problems, which can involve the heart, eyes, circulation, and/or kidneys.

If you experience any of the signs of hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose) contact your doctor or diabetes educator for advice immediately

Driving or using machines

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how APO-GLICLAZIDE MR affects you.

Also, be especially careful not to let your blood glucose levels fall too low.

Gliclazide may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people. Low blood glucose levels may also slow your reaction time and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

If this occurs, do not drive, operate machinery or do things that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

A section at the end of this leaflet contains advice about recognising and treating hypoglycaemia.

Drinking alcohol can make this worse. If either of these occurs, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

If you drink alcohol while taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR, you may get flushing, headache, breathing difficulties, rapid heart beat, stomach pains or feel sick and vomit.

Looking after your medicine

  • Keep APO-GLICLAZIDE MR tablets in the original pack until it is time to take them.
  • Keep APO-GLICLAZIDE MR tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature is below 30°C.

Do not store APO-GLICLAZIDE MR, or any other medicine, in the bathroom or near a sink.

Do not leave medicines in the car or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep your medicines where children cannot reach them. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres (1.5 m) above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
  • HyPOglycaemia and hyPERglycaemia. Section 5 of this leaflet contains advice about recognising and treating hyPOglycaemia and hyPERglycaemia.
  • Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, facial pressure or pain, bronchitis, sore throat and discomfort when swallowing, upper respiratory infection, coughing.
  • Back pain, arthralgia, arthrosis.
  • High blood pressure, chest pain.
  • Headache, unusual weakness.
  • Viral infection, urinary tract infection.
  • Dizziness.
  • Stomach upset with symptoms like feeling sick, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation.
  • Decrease in the number of cells in the blood (eg. platelets, red and white blood cells) which may cause paleness, prolonged bleeding, bruising, sore throat and fever have been reported. These symptoms usually vanish when the treatment is discontinued.
  • Increase of some hepatic enzyme levels, and exceptionally a liver disease.
  • Your vision may be affected for a short time especially at the start of treatment. This effect is due to changes in blood sugar levels.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
  • Skin rash, redness itching and/or hives, blisters, angioedema (rapid swelling of tissues such as eyelids, face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat that may result in breathing difficulty) have been reported. Rash may progress to widespread blistering or peeling of the skin and may be the first sign of rare life-threatening conditions (eg. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and severe hypersensitivity reactions (DRESS)). Exceptionally, DRESS have been reported initially as flu-like symptoms and a rash on the face then an extended rash with a high temperature.
  • As for other sulphonylureas, the following adverse events have been observed: cases of severe changes in the number of blood cells and allergic inflammation of the wall of blood vessels, reduction in blood sodium (hyponatraemia), symptoms of liver impairment (eg. jaundice) which in most cases disappeared after withdrawal of the sulfonylurea, but may lead to life-threatening liver failure in isolated cases.
Stop taking APO-GLICLAZIDE MR and call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is available with a doctor's prescription.

What APO-GLICLAZIDE MR contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		gliclazide
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR tablets contain:

  • hypromellose
  • stearic acid
  • silica-colloidal anhydrous..
Potential allergensNone

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR does not contain gluten, lactose, sucrose, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

What APO-GLICLAZIDE MR looks like

APO-GLICLAZIDE MR is a white to off-white, flat faced, radial edge, capsule shaped tablet, engraved "APO 30" on one side and plain on the other side. AUST R 151303

The tablets are available in blister pack of 100's.

Who distributes APO-GLICLAZIDE MR

Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
15-17 Chapel St
Cremorne VIC 3121
www.arrotex.com.au

This leaflet was prepared in January 2025

Published by MIMS March 2025

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

APO-Gliclazide MR

Active ingredient

Gliclazide

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Gliclazide.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Gliclazide MR 30 mg tablets are intended for oral administration. Each tablet contains gliclazide 30 mg, as the active ingredient.
For full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Modified release tablets.
White to off-white, flat faced, radial edge, capsule shaped tablets, engraved "APO 30" on one side and plain on the other side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Type II diabetes in association with dietary measures when dietary measures alone are inadequate to control blood glucose.
During controlled clinical trials in patients with type II diabetes, modified release formulation of gliclazide (30 mg-120 mg), taken as a single daily dose, was shown to be effective long-term in controlling blood glucose levels, based on monitoring of HbA1c.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Gliclazide MR 30 mg tablets are for adult use only.
The daily dose may vary from 30 mg to 120 mg taken orally, once daily. Gliclazide MR 30 mg tablets should be taken with food because there is an increased risk of hypoglycemia if a meal is taken late, if an inadequate amount of food is consumed or if the food is low in carbohydrate. It is recommended that the medication be taken at breakfast time. If a dose is forgotten, the dose taken on the next day should not be increased.
Gliclazide MR 30 mg tablets are modified release tablets and therefore should be neither broken nor chewed.
As with all hypoglycaemic agents, the dose should be titrated according to the individual patient's response.
The initial recommended dose is 30 mg daily, even in elderly patients (≥ 65 years).
Dose titration should be carried out in steps of 30 mg, according to the fasting blood glucose response. Each step should last for at least two weeks. A single daily dose provides an effective blood glucose control. The single daily dose may be between one and three, or even four, tablets. The daily dose should not exceed 120 mg.
Previously untreated patients should commence with a dose of 30 mg and will benefit from dose titration until the appropriate dose is reached.
Gliclazide MR 30 mg tablets, can replace gliclazide 80 mg tablets, tablet for tablet, for doses of 1 to 4 tablets per day.
Gliclazide MR 30 mg tablets, may be used to replace other antidiabetic treatments without any transitional period. If a patient is switched from a hypoglycaemic sulfonylurea with a prolonged half-life he/she should be carefully monitored (for 1 to 2 weeks) in order to avoid hypoglycaemia due to possible residual effects of the previous therapy.
Gliclazide MR 30 mg tablets, may be given in combination with biguanides, alpha glucosidase inhibitors or insulin.

Elderly patients.

The efficacy and tolerance of gliclazide MR 30 mg tablets has been confirmed in clinical trials in patients over 65 years who were given the same dosage regimen as the general population. The dosage is therefore identical to that recommended for adults under the age of 65 years.

Renal impairment.

The efficacy and tolerance of gliclazide MR 30 mg tablets has been confirmed in clinical trials of subjects with mild to moderate renal failure (creatinine clearance of between 15-80 mL/min) who were given the same dosage regimen as the general population. No dosage adjustment is therefore required in subjects patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Use of gliclazide MR 30 mg in patients with severe renal impairment is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

4.3 Contraindications

This medication is contraindicated in the following cases:
Hypersensitivity to gliclazide, other sulphonylureas, sulfonamides, or to any of the excipients.
Type I diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic precoma and coma.
Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
Treatment with miconazole (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Pregnancy and lactation (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation, Use in pregnancy, Use in lactation).
It is generally not recommended to use this agent in combination with phenylbutazone or danazol (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Acute complications such as severe trauma, fever, infection or surgery.

These acute complications provoke additional metabolic stress, which accentuate the predisposition to hyperglycaemia and ketosis. Patients presenting with such conditions may require insulin to maintain control. It is not appropriate to increase the dosage of gliclazide.

Hypoglycaemia.

The risks of hypoglycaemia, together with its symptoms, treatment and conditions that predispose to its development, should be explained to the patient and to family members. The patient should be informed of the importance of following dietary advice, of taking regular exercise, and of regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Hypoglycaemia may occur following administration of sulphonylureas. Rarely, cases may be severe and prolonged. This may involve hospitalisation and glucose infusion may need to be continued for several days.
Careful selection of patients and of the dose used, as well as provision of adequate information to the patient are necessary to avoid hypoglycaemic episodes.
The following factors may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia:
patient does not follow the doctor's treatment advice (particularly elderly subjects);
malnutrition;
irregular mealtimes, skipping meals, periods of fasting or dietary changes;
imbalance between physical exercise and carbohydrate intake;
renal impairment;
severe hepatic impairment;
overdose of antidiabetic agents;
certain endocrine disorders: thyroid disorders, hypopituitarism and adrenal impairment;
concomitant administration of certain other medicines (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Experience with sulfonylureas shows that hypoglycaemia can recur even when measures such as the intake of carbohydrate such as sugar are initially effective. If a hypoglycaemic episode is severe or prolonged, and even if it is temporarily controlled by intake of sugar, immediate medical treatment or even hospitalisation is required.
Patients must be warned that artificial sweeteners are not recommended in the treatment of hypoglycaemia as they have negligible effect.
Hypoglycaemia may be difficult to recognise in elderly patients and those receiving beta-blockers.
This treatment should only be prescribed if the patient is likely to have a regular food intake (including breakfast). It is important to have a regular carbohydrate intake due to the increased risk of hypoglycaemia if a meal is delayed, an inadequate amount of food is consumed or the food is low in carbohydrate. Hypoglycaemia is more likely to occur during periods of low calorie diet, following prolonged or strenuous exercise, following alcohol intake or during treatment with a combination of hypoglycaemic agents.

Patient awareness.

Comprehensive instructions must be given to the patient about the nature of the disease and what must be done to detect and prevent complications.

Poor blood glucose control.

Blood glucose control in treated patients may be affected by St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) preparations (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions), fever, trauma, infection or surgical intervention. It may be necessary to discontinue treatment and to administer insulin in these cases.
The efficacy of oral antidiabetic agents often decreases in the long-term. This may be due to progression in the severity of the diabetes, or to a reduced response to treatment. This phenomenon is known as secondary failure and should be distinguished from primary failure, when the drug is ineffective as first line treatment. However, before classifying the patient as a secondary failure, dose adjustment and reinforcement of dietary measures should be considered.

Unstable blood glucose level (dysglycaemia).

Disturbances in blood glucose, including hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia have been reported, in diabetic patients receiving concomitant treatment with fluoroquinolones, especially in elderly patients. Indeed, careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended in all patients receiving gliclazide and a fluoroquinolone at the same time.

Use in renal and hepatic impairment.

Severe renal or hepatic impairment may affect the distribution of gliclazide and hepatic impairment may also reduce the capacity for neoglucogenesis. These two effects increase the risk of severe hypoglycaemic reactions. A hypoglycaemic episode in these patients may be prolonged and appropriate management should be initiated.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).

Treatment of patients with G6PD deficiency with sulfonylurea agents can lead to haemolytic anaemia. Since gliclazide belongs to the chemical class of sulfonylurea drugs, caution should be used in patients with G6PD deficiency and a nonsulfonylurea alternative should be considered.

Use in the elderly.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties.

Paediatric use.

See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration.

Effects on laboratory tests.

Glycated haemoglobin should be monitored regularly. Blood glucose measurement may also be useful.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Blood glucose monitoring during and after treatment is necessary when gliclazide is used with medicines which can interact with gliclazide. It may also be necessary to adjust the dose of gliclazide MR during and after treatment with such medicines.

The following medications are likely to increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Concomitant use which is contraindicated.

Miconazole (systemic route, oromucosal gel).

Increases the hypoglycaemic effect with possible onset of hypoglycaemia symptoms or even coma.
Concomitant use which is not recommended.

Phenylbutazone (systemic route).

Increases the hypoglycaemic effect of sulphonylureas (displaces their binding to plasma proteins and/or reduces their elimination).
It is preferable to use a different anti-inflammatory agent, or else to warn the patient and emphasise the importance of self monitoring. Where necessary, adjust the dose during and after treatment with the anti-inflammatory agent.

Alcohol.

Acute alcohol intoxication potentiates the hypoglycaemic action of all sulfonylurea agents by inhibiting compensatory reactions. This can lead to the onset of hypoglycaemic coma. Ingestion of alcohol may also cause a disulfiram-like reaction with characteristic flushing of the face, throbbing headache, giddiness, tachypnoea, tachycardia or angina pectoris.
Chronic alcohol abuse may, as a result of liver enzyme induction, increase the metabolism of sulfonylurea drugs, shortening the plasma half-life and duration of action.
Avoid alcohol or medicines containing alcohol.
Concomitant use which requires special care. Potentiation of the blood glucose lowering effect and therefore in some instances, hypoglycaemia may occur when one of the following medications is taken: other antidiabetic agents (insulins, acarbose, biguanides, metformin, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists), sulfonamides, clarithromycin, clofibrate, salicylates (high doses), chloramphenicol, MAOIs, β-blockers, H2-receptor antagonists, ACE inhibitors, fluconazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

The following medications may cause an increase in blood glucose levels.

Advise the patient and emphasise the importance of glucose monitoring.
Concomitant use which is not recommended.

Danazol.

If the use of danazol cannot be avoided, it may be necessary to adjust the dose of gliclazide MR during and after treatment with danazol.
Concomitant use which requires special care.

Chlorpromazine.

High doses (> 100 mg per day of chlorpromazine) can increase blood glucose levels (reduced insulin release).
Advise the patient and emphasise the importance of glucose monitoring. It may be necessary to adjust the dose of gliclazide MR during and after treatment with chlorpromazine.

Glucocorticoids (systemic and local route: intra-articular, cutaneous and rectal preparations) and tetracosactrin.

Concomitant use may increase blood glucose levels with possible ketosis (glucocorticoids cause reduced tolerance to carbohydrates). Emphasize the importance of blood glucose monitoring, particularly at the start of treatment. It may be necessary to adjust the dose of gliclazide MR during and after treatment with glucocorticoids.

Salbutamol, terbutaline (intravenous).

May cause increased blood glucose levels due to β2-agonist effects. If necessary, switch to insulin.

Barbiturates, oestrogens and progestogens.

May adversely affect blood sugar control with hypoglycaemic agents in some patients by causing increased blood glucose levels.

St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) preparations.

Gliclazide exposure is decreased by St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).

The following products may cause unstable glucose.

Concomitant use which requires special care.

Fluroquinolones.

In case of a concomitant use of gliclazide and a fluoroquinolone, the patient should be warned of the risk of unstable blood glucose, and the importance of blood glucose monitoring should be emphasised.
Concomitant use to be taken into consideration.

Anticoagulant therapy (warfarin).

Sulphonylureas may lead to potentiation of anticoagulation during concurrent treatment. Adjustment of warfarin may be necessary.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effect on fertility.

No data available.
(Category C)
The sulfonylureas may enter the foetal circulation and cause neonatal hypoglycaemia. In animal studies embryotoxicity and/or birth defects have been demonstrated with some sulfonylureas.
Gliclazide should not be used in pregnant women although animal studies of gliclazide have not shown any teratogenic effect. From a clinical point of view, there are no adequate data to allow evaluation of the possible malformative or foetotoxic effects of gliclazide, when administered during pregnancy.
Gliclazide is contraindicated during pregnancy and insulin is the drug of first choice for treatment of diabetes during pregnancy. Treatment should be changed from gliclazide to insulin therapy before pregnancy is attempted, or as soon as pregnancy is discovered. Control of diabetes should be achieved before the time of conception to reduce the risk of congenital abnormalities linked to uncontrolled diabetes.
 It is not known whether gliclazide or its metabolites are excreted in breast milk. Given the risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia, breastfeeding is contraindicated during treatment with this product. A risk to newborns/ infants cannot be excluded.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Patients should be made aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia and should be careful if driving or operating machinery, especially at the beginning of treatment.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Good clinical acceptability of gliclazide, has been established in many studies as well as in medical practice.
The safety of gliclazide MR has been evaluated in controlled clinical trials in 955 patients, of which 728 patients were treated in long-term comparative trials, against an immediate release formulation of gliclazide 80 mg tablets, for up to 10 months. In these comparative trials, the overall incidence and type of adverse events were similar in both gliclazide MR and gliclazide 80 mg groups.
Adverse events were generally mild and transient, not requiring discontinuation of therapy.
However, where patients did discontinue due to adverse events, the percentage was lower in the gliclazide MR group (2.9%) than in the immediate release group (4.5%).
Serious reactions which have been reported with sulfonylureas are pancytopenia and gastrointestinal haemorrhage. (See Class effects near the end of this section.)

Hypoglycaemia.

(See Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.9 Overdose).
The most frequent adverse reaction with gliclazide is hypoglycaemia.
As is the case with all sulfonylurea drugs, hypoglycaemic reactions have been reported following gliclazide administration. However, a number of studies have shown that hypoglycaemia is less common with gliclazide than with glibenclamide.
Possible symptoms of hypoglycaemia are: headache, intense hunger, nausea, vomiting, lassitude, sleep disorders, agitation, aggression, poor concentration, reduced awareness and slowed reactions, depression, confusion, visual and speech disorders, aphasia, tremor, paresis, sensory disorders, dizziness, feeling of powerlessness, loss of self control, delirium, convulsions, shallow respiration, bradycardia, drowsiness and loss of consciousness, possibly resulting in coma and/or death.
In addition, signs of adrenergic counter regulation may be observed: sweating, clammy skin, anxiety, tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations, angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmia.
Usually, symptoms disappear after intake of carbohydrate such as sugar (artificial sweeteners have no effect).
Experience with other sulphonylureas shows that hypoglycaemia can recur even when these measures are initially effective. If a hypoglycaemic episode is severe or prolonged, and even if it is temporarily controlled by intake of sugar, immediate medical treatment or even hospitalisation is required.
In long-term comparative studies, the percentage of patients experiencing hypoglycaemic episodes was similar between patients treated with gliclazide MR (11.6%) and those treated with the immediate release formulation of gliclazide (11.1%). However, the number of hypoglycaemic episodes per 100 patient months was lower in the gliclazide MR group (3.5) than in the immediate release group (4.8).
Analysis of elderly patients (over 65 years old) showed less hypoglycaemia than in the general population, with a prevalence of hypoglycaemic episodes lower in the gliclazide MR group (2.6 hypoglycaemic episodes for 100 patient months) than in the immediate release group (4.1).
The percentage of patients experiencing hypoglycaemic episodes in the subpopulation with renal failure, was similar to that observed in the general population.

Other adverse events.

Adverse events reported during controlled clinical trials with gliclazide MR were those expected in an ageing population with diabetes. Adverse events that were reported in at least 2.0% of patients, in long-term controlled clinical studies, are presented in Table 1. The most frequent adverse events were not specifically related to the disease (such as respiratory infections or back pain).
Analysis of adverse events in subpopulations showed a similar pattern to that seen in the general population. Gender, age and renal impairment had no significant influence on the safety profile of gliclazide MR.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Pruritus, urticaria, maculopapular rashes, rash, angioedema, erythema and bullous reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome [SJS] and toxic epidermal necrolysis [TEN]) (as with other sulfur containing medications) and exceptionally, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

Blood and lymphatic system disorders (as with other sulphonylurea medications).

Anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and agranulocytosis. These are in general reversible upon discontinuation of medication.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Elevations of serum bilirubin and hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase) levels, and exceptionally, hepatitis (isolated reports). Treatment should be discontinued if cholestatic jaundice appears. These symptoms usually disappear after discontinuation of treatment.

Investigations.

Occasional elevations of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen.

Eye disorders.

Transient visual disturbances may occur due to changes in blood glucose levels, particularly on initiation of treatment. As with any glucose lowering medication, transient visual disturbances may occur on initiation of treatment due to changes in blood glucose levels.

Class effects.

The following adverse events have been observed with sulfonylureas: cases of erythrocytopenia, agranulocytosis, haemolytic anaemia, pancytopenia and allergic vasculitis, hyponatremia, elevated liver enzyme levels and even impairment of liver function (e.g. with cholestasis and jaundice) and hepatitis, which regressed after withdrawal of the sulphonylurea or led to life threatening liver failure in isolated cases.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms.

Overdose of sulphonylureas may cause hypoglycaemia.
Moderate symptoms of hypoglycaemia (without loss of consciousness or neurological signs), should be corrected by carbohydrate intake, dose adjustment and/or modification of diet.
Strict monitoring should be continued until the doctor is sure that the patient is out of danger.
Severe hypoglycaemic reactions are possible (with coma, convulsions or other neurological disorders) and must be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate hospitalisation.

Treatment.

If hypoglycaemic coma is diagnosed or suspected, the patient should be given a rapid I.V. injection of 50 mL of concentrated glucose solution (20 to 30%). This should be followed by continuous infusion of a more dilute glucose solution (10%) at a rate necessary to maintain blood glucose levels above 5 mmol/L. It is recommended that patients should be monitored closely for a 48 hour period at least.
Plasma clearance of gliclazide may be prolonged in patients with hepatic disease. However, due to the strong binding of gliclazide to proteins, dialysis is not effective in these patients.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poison Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Gliclazide is an oral hypoglycaemic sulfonylurea which differs from other related compounds. It has an N-containing heterocyclic ring with an endocyclic bond. Gliclazide reduces blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion from the beta-cells of the Islets of Langerhans. Gliclazide shows high affinity, strong selectivity and reversible binding to the β-cell KATP channels with a low affinity for cardiac and vascular KATP channels. Increased postprandial insulin and C-peptide secretion persists after two years of treatment.
In type II diabetes, gliclazide restores the first peak of insulin secretion in response to glucose and increases the second phase of insulin secretion. A significant increase in insulin release is seen in response to stimulation induced by a meal or glucose.
Gliclazide also has extrapancreatic effects and haemovascular properties.
It has been shown to increase peripheral insulin sensitivity:
in muscle, euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp studies with gliclazide have demonstrated significantly increased (35%) insulin mediated glucose uptake which may improve diabetes control. Gliclazide potentiates insulin action on muscle glycogen synthase. These effects are consistent with a post-transcriptional action of gliclazide on GLUT4 glucose transporters;
studies on glucose turnover have further shown that gliclazide decreases hepatic glucose production, leading to an improvement in fasting blood glucose levels.
Gliclazide has been shown in some studies to have actions independent of that on glucose levels. These haemovascular effects of gliclazide include:
partial inhibition of platelet aggregation and adhesion with a decrease in markers of platelet activation (beta thromboglobulin, thromboxane B2);
increased vascular endothelial fibrinolytic activity (increased tPA activity);
antioxidant properties, notably a reduction in plasma lipid peroxides and increased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity;
inhibition of the increased adhesiveness of type II diabetic patient's monocytes to endothelial cells in vitro.
The antioxidant, platelet inhibiting and fibrinolytic actions of gliclazide involve processes which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular complications of type II diabetes.
There is no clinical evidence that the haemovascular effects of gliclazide are of therapeutic benefit in type II diabetes patients.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Hydration of the tablets induces formation of a gel to activate drug release.
Plasma levels increase progressively, resulting in a plateau shaped curve from the sixth to the twelfth hour after administration. Intra-individual variability is low. Gliclazide is completely absorbed and food intake does not affect the rate or degree of absorption.

Distribution.

Plasma protein binding is approximately 95%. The relationship between the dose administered and the area under the concentration curve as a function of time is linear for doses of gliclazide up to 90 mg/day. At the highest evaluated dose (135 mg/day), the AUC increases slightly more than proportionally to the dose.

Metabolism.

Gliclazide is mainly metabolised in the liver, the products of which are extensively excreted in the urine.

Excretion.

Less than 1% of unchanged drug is recovered in the urine. No active metabolites have been detected in plasma.
The clearance of gliclazide has been found to be slightly reduced as a function of age. This reduction, however, is not considered to be clinically significant.
The elimination half-life of gliclazide is approximately 16 hours.
No clinically significant modifications in the pharmacokinetic parameters have been observed in elderly patients.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

In animal studies embryotoxicity and/or birth defects have been demonstrated with some sulphonylureas.
Animal studies of gliclazide have not shown any teratogenic effect.

Carcinogenicity.

No data available.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Hypromellose, stearic acid, colloidal anhydrous silica.

6.2 Incompatibilities

See Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, the information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 30°C. Protect from moisture.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

30 mg tablets.

Blister pack (PVC/PVDC/Aluminium silver foil) of 100 tablets.
AUST R 151303.
Bottle (HDPE bottle/ CR-III PP cap with LDPE foam liner) of 100 tablets.
AUST R 151307.
*Not all pack sizes and/or pack types may be available.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

Gliclazide is a white or almost white powder which is practically insoluble in water. Freely soluble in dichloromethane, sparingly soluble in acetone and slightly soluble in ethanol 96%. The melting point of gliclazide is approximately 168°C.
Chemical Name: 1-(3-azabicyclo[3.3.0]oct-3-yl)-3-p-tolylsulphonylurea.
Chemical Formula: C15H21N3O3S.
Molecular Weight: 323.4.

CAS number.

21187-98-4.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes