Gluconex OD Dosage/Direction for Use

The daily dose of Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg may vary from one half to 2 tablets per day, i.e. from 30 to 120 mg taken orally in a single intake at breakfast time. It is recommended to swallow the dose without crushing or chewing.
If a dose is forgotten, there must be no increase in the dose taken the next day.
As with any hypoglycemic agent, the dose should be adjusted according to the individual patient's metabolic response (blood glucose, HbA1c).
Initial dose: The recommended starting dose is 30 mg daily half a tablet of Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg. If blood glucose is effectively controlled, this dose may be used for maintenance treatment.
If blood glucose is not adequately controlled, the dose may be increased to 60, 90 or 120 mg daily, in successive steps. The interval between each dose increment should be at least 1 month except in patients whose blood glucose has not reduced after two weeks of treatment. In such cases, the dose may be increased at the end of the second week of treatment.
The maximum recommended daily dose is 120 mg.
One Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg modified-release tablet is equivalent to two Gliclazide 30 mg modified-release tablets. The breakability of the Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg modified-release tablet enables flexibility of dosing to be achieved.
Switching from Gliclazide 80 mg tablets to Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg modified-release tablets: One tablet of Gliclazide 80 mg tablet is comparable to 30 mg of the modified release formulation (i.e. half a tablet of Gluconex OD 60 mg).
Consequently the switch can be performed with careful blood monitoring.
Switching from another oral antidiabetic agent to Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg: Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg can be used to replace other oral antidiabetic agents.
The dosage and the half-life of the previous antidiabetic agent should be taken into account when switching to Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg.
A transitional period is not generally necessary. A starting dose of 30 mg should be used and this should be adjusted to suit the patient's blood glucose response, as described previously.
When switching from a hypoglycemic sulfonylurea with a prolonged half-life, a treatment free period of a few days may be necessary to avoid an additive effect of the two products, which might cause hypoglycemia. The procedure described for initiating treatment should also be used when switching to treatment with Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg, i.e. a starting dose of 30 mg/day, followed by a stepwise increase in dose, depending on the metabolic response.
Combination treatment with other antidiabetic agents: Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg can be given in combination with biguanides, alpha glucosidase inhibitors or insulin.
In patients not adequately controlled with Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg, concomitant insulin therapy can be initiated under close medical supervision.
Special Populations: Elderly: Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg should be prescribed using the same dosing regimen recommended for patients under 65 years of age.
Renal impairment: In patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency, the same dosing regimen can be used as in patients with normal renal function with careful patient monitoring.
These data have been confirmed in clinical trials.
Patients at risk of hypoglycemia: Undernourished or malnourished; Severe or poorly compensated endocrine disorders (hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism, adrenocorticotrophic insufficiency); Withdrawal of prolonged and/or high dose corticosteroid therapy; Severe vascular disease (severe coronary heart disease, severe carotid impairment, diffuse vascular disease).
It is recommended that the minimum daily starting dose of 30 mg is used.
Pediatric population: The safety and efficacy of Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg in children and adolescents have not been established. No data are available.
Missed Dose: It is important to take the medicine everyday as regular treatment works better.
However, if the patient forgets to take a dose of Gliclazide (Gluconex OD) 60 mg, take the next dose at the usual time.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Discontinuation of Treatment: As the treatment for diabetes is usually life long, the patient should discuss with the doctor before stopping this medicinal product.
Stopping could cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) which increases the risk of developing complications of diabetes.
If the patient has any further questions on the use of this product, ask the doctor or pharmacist. Or as prescribed by the physician.