About Gliclazide
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by making the pancreas release more insulin.
How to take it
Take it with a meal, usually breakfast. The MR (modified release) tablet is taken once a day. Do not crush or chew it. The plain tablet may be taken once or twice a day with meals, as the doctor advises. Do not take it and then skip the meal.
Common side effects
- Low blood sugar if a meal is missed or delayed.
- Mild stomach upset.
Call your doctor if
- Repeated low sugars.
- You plan to fast or have a surgery.
Take care
Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach.
From our clinic: Gliclazide causes low sugar less often than some older tablets of this group, but it still can. Keep glucose tablets with you.