Diamicron MR 60mg is formulated as a tablet, with the main ingredient being Gliclazide. The medication is used to treat type 2 diabetes, in conjunction with a suitable diet and exercise regimen.
1. Indications of Diamicron MR 60mg
What is Diamicron MR 60mg?
Gliclazide is a medication belonging to the sulfonylurea class, a urea derivative, used orally to lower blood sugar levels. Gliclazide reduces blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion from the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. The increased secretion of insulin and C-peptide after meals persists even after 2 years of treatment. Along with this metabolic property, Gliclazide also has effects on blood vessels.
Diamicron MR 60mg is indicated in the following cases:
- To lower blood sugar levels;
- For the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults (when diet, exercise, and weight loss cannot maintain appropriate blood sugar levels).
Diamicron MR 60mg is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Individuals who are hypersensitive to Gliclazide or any components of the medication, other sulfonylurea drugs, or hypoglycemic sulfonamides;
- Individuals with type 1 diabetes;
- Individuals with diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-coma, or diabetic coma;
- Individuals with severe liver or kidney disease;
- Individuals taking Miconazole - the antifungal medication;
- Nursing mothers.
2. Administration and dosage of Diamicron MR 60mg
2.1. Administration
Diamicron MR 60mg is taken orally. Patients should take half a tablet (the tablet can be split into two equal halves) or the whole tablet without chewing or crushing it. It is recommended to take the tablet with a glass of water during breakfast (ideally at the same time everyday). After taking the medication, it is important to eat a full meal.
2.2. Dosage
The usual dosage is 1/2 to 2 tablets (maximum dose of 120mg) taken once during breakfast. The dosage may be adjusted based on treatment response and factors such as weight loss, stress, lifestyle, etc... If it is necessary to combine Diamicron with other medications, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate dosage for the patient. If blood sugar levels remain high despite taking the medication as directed, the patient should inform the doctor.
In case of an overdose of Diamicron, the patient should notify their doctor or go to the nearest hospital. Symptoms of overdose can be alleviated by consuming 4-6 pieces of sugar or drinking sugar water immediately, followed by eating other foods. If the patient is unconscious, emergency services should be called, and the doctor should be informed immediately. The above temporary emergency measures should also be taken if anyone else has accidentally ingested Diamicron. If the patient is unconscious, do not give them anything to eat or drink.
If a dose of Diamicron MR 60mg is missed, the patient should take the next dose at the usual time. It is especially important for patients to take the medication daily because consistent treatment will have a better effect.
3. Side effects of Diamicron MR 60mg
When using Diamicron MR 60mg, patients may experience some side effects such as:
- Hypoglycemia: This is the most common side effect. If left untreated, symptoms may progress to drowsiness, loss of consciousness, coma, etc... If a severe or prolonged hypoglycemic episode occurs, even if blood sugar is temporarily controlled by consuming sugar, the patient should seek medical attention immediately;
- Liver disorders: The use of Diamicron may cause jaundice. This symptom usually resolves upon discontinuation of the medication. If these symptoms occur, you should inform your doctor to consider whether to stop treatment;
- Skin disorders: Some patients using Diamicron may experience rashes, redness, itching, or angioedema (swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, tongue, mouth, throat, which may cause difficulty breathing). Rashes may progress to widespread blisters or skin peeling;
- Blood disorders: Some patients using Diamicron may experience a decrease in blood cell counts (white blood cells, platelets, red blood cells), leading to pale skin, prolonged bleeding, sore throat, fever, and bruising. These symptoms usually resolve upon discontinuation of the medication;
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. These symptoms may decrease if Diamicron is taken with meals; - Eye disorders: Patients' vision may be temporarily affected, especially when starting Diamicron;
- Other side effects: Significant changes in blood cell counts, allergic vasculitis, symptoms of liver dysfunction (jaundice), hyponatremia, etc…In most cases, these symptoms will resolve upon stopping the medication. However, in some individual cases, patients may experience liver dysfunction that poses a life-threatening risk.
If you experience any adverse effects while using Diamicron MR 60mg, you should inform your doctor immediately.
4. Precautions when using Diamicron MR 60mg
Patients should be aware of the following issues before and during using Diamicron:
- Follow the treatment plan prescribed by the doctor to achieve appropriate blood sugar levels. Therefore, in addition to taking the medication regularly, patients should adhere to a suitable diet, exercise, and lose weight if necessary;
- While using Diamicron, it is important to regularly monitor blood sugar levels, urine glucose, and HbA1C levels;
- In the first few weeks of treatment with Diamicron, the risk of hypoglycemia may increase, so patients should be closely monitored;
- Hypoglycemia may occur in cases such as: irregular meal intervals or missed meals; dieting; malnutrition; changes in diet; increased physical activity without adequate calories intake; alcohol consumption, especially when skipping meals; taking Diamicron with other medications; using Diamicron at excessively high doses; having specific hormonal disorders (thyroid, pituitary, adrenal cortex function); severe liver or kidney dysfunction. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include: headache, intense hunger, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, restlessness, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, decreased alertness, depression, confusion, visual disturbances, speech disorders, tremors, dizziness, etc…;
- Patients may experience symptoms after taking Diamicron such as sweating, moist skin, rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety,hypertension, sudden and severe chest pain that may radiate. If blood sugar levels continue to drop, the patient may experience delirium, seizures, loss of control, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, and loss of consciousness. In case of hypoglycemia, glucose tablets or sugar cubes should be taken;
- Symptoms of hypoglycemia may be unclear or appear very slowly in elderly patients taking Diamicron, especially when combined with other medications (beta-blockers, central nervous system agents, etc...);
- If the patient is under stress (surgery, fever, accidents, etc…), the doctor may temporarily switch the patient to insulin therapy;
- Symptoms of hyperglycemia may occur when Gliclazide does not lower blood sugar levels as expected, when the patient does not adhere to the doctor's regimen, or during periods of significant stress. Symptoms include: thirst, dry mouth, itchy dry skin, increased urination, skin infections, decreased activity, etc…;
- If you have a personal or family history of G6PD deficiency, which may lead to decreased hemoglobin and hemolysis , consult your doctor before using Diamicron;
- Do not use Diamicron MR 60mg in children.
- If experiencing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, or if there are complications related to vision, your ability to concentrate and react may be impaired. You should consult your doctor about whether it is safe to drive or operate machinery if you frequently experience hypoglycemia or do not have warning signs before hypoglycemia occurs;
- Do not use Diamicron MR 60mg during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
5. Drug interactions of Diamicron MR 60mg
Drug interactions can affect the efficacy of Diamicron, other medications, and increase the side effects of certain drugs. Therefore, patients should inform their doctor about all medications that they are currently using to receive appropriate advice and adjustments to their treatment regimen.
The hypoglycemic effect of Gliclazide (the active ingredient in Diamicron) may be enhanced, and signs of hypoglycemia may occur when used in combination with the following medications:
Other drugs used to treat hyperglycemia (insulin, GLP receptor agonists, other oral antidiabetic medications);
- Antibiotics (clarithromycin, sulfonamides);
- Antihypertensive or heart failure medications (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or beta-blockers);
- Antifungal medications (fluconazole, miconazole);
- Medications for peptic ulcers (H2 receptor antagonists);
- Antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors);
- Analgesics and antirheumatic drugs (ibuprofen, phenylbutazone);
- Alcohol-containing medications.
The hypoglycemic effect of Gliclazide (the active ingredient in Diamicron) may be reduced, and signs of hyperglycemia may occur when used in combination with the following medications:
- Central nervous system disorder medications (chlorpromazine);
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids);
- Asthma medications or those used during labor (intravenous salbutamol, terbutaline, and ritodrine)
- Medications for breast disorders, heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis (danazol).
Additionally, Diamicron MR 60mg may enhance the effects of anticoagulants (such as warfarin).
Furthermore, Diamicron should not be taken with food and alcoholic beverages. Patients taking this medication should also avoid alcohol because it can alter blood sugar control.
When using Diamicron MR 60mg, patients should inform their doctor about their health status, allergy history, and any medications they are currently taking. If any side effects or unusual reactions occur, patients should notify their doctor immediately.
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