Antidiabetic (Sulphonylurea)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Gliclazide is a diabetes medicine that works by telling your pancreas to produce more insulin, which helps lower the sugar level in your blood.
Binds to ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells, closing these channels and depolarizing the cell membrane to trigger insulin secretion. This increases circulating insulin levels, enhancing glucose uptake by peripheral tissues and reducing blood glucose concentration.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For regular tablets (like Diabend 80 or Glycinorm-80): Start with one 80mg tablet daily, taken with breakfast. Your doctor may increase this up to 2-4 tablets daily (160-320mg), usually split into two doses — morning and evening with meals. For MR (modified-release) tablets like Diamicron MR 60mg or Diabend MR 30: Take one tablet once daily with breakfast. Swallow whole — do not crush or chew MR tablets. Always take with food to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but only if it is close to your next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take a double dose to make up for it.
Always buy from a reputable pharmacy — look for trusted brands like Diamicron MR, Diabend, or Glycinorm-80 and avoid unregistered products from roadside sellers. Learn to recognise signs of low blood sugar (shaking, sweating, dizziness) and always carry sugar, sweets, or a sugary drink with you. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they also have diabetes — dosage must be prescribed individually by a doctor.
Alcohol can dangerously lower your blood sugar when combined with gliclazide — avoid or limit drinking. NSAIDs like ibuprofen (common painkillers Nigerians take for body pain) can increase the effect of gliclazide and cause low blood sugar. If you are taking other diabetes drugs like metformin or insulin, your doctor needs to adjust your doses carefully to avoid dangerously low sugar levels.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Gliclazide with your other drugs?
Gliclazide is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, talk to your doctor immediately as they will switch you to insulin.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep in the original pack and far from the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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