Gliclazide 80mg Tablets
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Gliclazide 80mg Tablets
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each tablet contains 80mg gliclazide.
For excipients see 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Tablet.
White, round tablet, scored on one side and embossed ‘G03’ on the reverse side.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
For the treatment of maturity onset diabetes mellitus.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Adults: The total daily dose may vary from 40 to 320mg taken orally. The dose should be adjusted according to the individual patient’s response, commencing with 40 - 80mg daily (1/2 - 1 tablets) and increasing until adequate control is achieved.
A single dose should not exceed 160mg (2 tablets). When higher doses are required Gliclazide 80mg Tablets should be taken twice daily and according to the main meals of the day.
In obese patients or those not showing adequate response to Gliclazide 80mg Tablets alone additional therapy may be required.
Elderly: Plasma clearance of Gliclazide is not altered in the elderly and steady state plasma levels can therefore be expected to be similar to those in adults under 65 years. Clinical experience in the elderly to date shows that Gliclazide is effective and well tolerated. Care should be exercised, however, when prescribing sulphonylureas in the elderly due to a possible age-related increased risk of hypoglycaemia.
Children: Gliclazide 80mg, as with other sulphonylureas, is not indicated for the treatment of juvenile onset diabetes mellitus
For oral use.
4.3 Contraindications
Gliclazide 80mg tablets are contraindicated in:
- Known hypersensitivity to Gliclazide or to any of the excipients, other sulfonylurea ureas or sulfonamides.
- Type I diabetes
- diabetes complicated by ketosis and acidosis
- pregnancy
- diabetics undergoing surgery after severe trauma or during infections
- patients known to have hypersensitivity to other sulphonylureas and related drugs
- diabetic pre-coma and coma
- severe renal insufficiency (GFR of 15-29)
- severe hepatic insufficiency, as there is an increased risk of hypoglycaemia and may aggravate jaundice.
- Treatment with miconazole.
- Gliclazide should, where possible, be avoided in porphyria.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Hypoglycaemia
This treatment should be prescribed only 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 taken late, if an inadequate amount of food is consumed or if the food is low in carbohydrate. Hypoglycaemia is more likely to occur during low-calorie diets, following prolonged or strenuous exercise, alcohol intake or if a combination of hypoglycaemic agents is being used.
Hypoglycaemia may occur following administration of sulfonylureas (see section 4.8). Some cases may be severe and prolonged. Hospitalisation may be necessary and glucose administration may need to be continued for several days.
Careful selection of patients, of the dose used, and clear patient directions are necessary to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemic episodes.
Factors which increase the risk of hypoglycaemia:
• patient refuses or (particularly in elderly subjects) is unable to co-operate
• malnutrition, irregular mealtimes, skipping meals, periods of fasting or dietary changes
• imbalance between physical exercise and carbohydrate intake
• renal insufficiency
• severe hepatic insufficiency
• overdose of Gliclazide
• certain endocrine disorders: thyroid disorders, hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency
• concomitant administration of alcohol or certain other medicines (see section 4.5).
Renal and hepatic insufficiency
The pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of gliclazide may be altered in patients with hepatic insufficiency or severe renal failure. A hypoglycaemic episode occurring in these patients may be prolonged, so appropriate management should be initiated.
Patient information
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.
Poor blood glucose control
Blood glucose control in a patient receiving antidiabetic treatment may be affected by any of the following: fever, trauma, infection or surgical intervention. In some cases, it may be necessary to administer insulin.
The hypoglycaemic efficacy of any oral antidiabetic agent, including gliclazide, is attenuated over time in many patients. 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 which is distinct from primary failure, when an active substance is ineffective as first-line treatment. Adequate dose adjustment and dietary compliance should be considered before classifying the patient as secondary failure.
Laboratory tests
Measurement of glycated haemoglobin levels (or fasting venous plasma glucose) is recommended in assessing blood glucose control. Blood glucose self-monitoring may also be useful.
Treatment of patients with G6PD-deficiency with sulfonylurea agents can lead to haemolytic anaemia. Caution should be used in patients with G6PD deficiency and a non-sulfonylurea alternative should be considered.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
The following products are likely to increase the risk of hypoglycaemia
Contraindicated combination
- Miconazole (systemic route, oromucosal gel): increases the hypoglycaemic effect with possible onset of hypoglycaemic symptoms, or even coma.
Combinations which are not recommended
- Phenylbutazone (systemic route): increases the hypoglycaemic effect of sulfonylureas (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: increases the hypoglycaemic reaction (by inhibiting compensatory reactions) that can lead to the onset of hypoglycaemic coma. Avoid alcohol or medicines containing alcohol.
Combinations requiring precautions for use
Potentiation of the blood glucose lowering effect and thus, in some instances, hypoglycaemia may occur when one of the following drugs is taken, for example:
Other antidiabetic agents (insulins, acarbose, biguanides), beta-blockers, fluconazole, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (captopril, enalapril), H2-receptor antagonists, MAOIs, sulfonamides, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
The following products may cause an increase in blood glucose levels
Combination which is not recommended
- Danazol: diabetogenic effect of danazol.
If the use of this active substance cannot be avoided, warn the patient and emphasise the importance of urine and blood glucose monitoring. It may be necessary to adjust the dose of the antidiabetic agent during and after treatment with danazol.
Combinations requiring precautions during use
- Chlorpromazine (neuroleptic agent): high doses (> 100 mg per day of chlorpromazine) increase blood glucose levels (reduced insulin release).
Warn the patient and emphasise the importance of blood glucose monitoring. It may be necessary to adjust the dose of the antidiabetic active substance during and after treatment with the neuroleptic agent.
- Glucocorticoids (systemic and local route: intra-articular, cutaneous and rectal preparations) and tetracosactrin: increase in blood glucose levels with possible ketosis (reduced tolerance to carbohydrates due to glucocorticoids).
Warn the patient and emphasise the importance of blood glucose monitoring, particularly at the start of treatment. It may be necessary to adjust the dose of the antidiabetic active substance during and after treatment with glucocorticoids.
- Ritodrine, salbutamol, terbutaline: I.V.
Increased blood glucose levels due to beta-2 agonist effects.
Emphasise the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels. If necessary, switch to insulin.
Combination which must be taken into account - Anticoagulant therapy (e.g. warfarin):
Sulfonylureas may lead to potentiation of anticoagulation during concurrent treatment.
Adjustment of the anticoagulant may be necessary.
The hypoglycaemic effect of gliclazide may be potentiated by salicylates, sulphonamides, octreotide, azapropazone, sulfinpyrazone, metabolism of gliclazide may be accelerated by aminoglutethimide, testosterone, tetracycline compounds, chloramphenicol, clofibrate, disopyramide, cimetidine. Co-trimoxazole rarely enhances the effect of gliclazide.
Gliclazide may be diminished by rifamycins, oral contraceptives, thiazide diuretics, diazoxide, phenothiazine derivatives, thyroid hormones, loop diuretics, and abuse of laxatives.
Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine) may occasionally impair glucose tolerance as well as Lithium may occasionally impair glucose tolerance.
Treatment with St John’s wort significantly increases the apparent clearance of Gliclazide. People with diabetes receiving this combination should be closely monitored to evaluate possible signs of reduced efficacy.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy:
Gliclazide should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia; insulin is normally substituted during pregnancy in
all diabetics.
Breast-feeding:
It has not yet been established whether gliclazide is
transferred to human milk so Gliclazide should be avoided during breast
feeding.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Patients should be informed that their concentration may be affected if their diabetes is not satisfactorily controlled, especially at the beginning of treatment (see other special warnings and precautions).
4.8 Undesirable effects
Based on the experience with Gliclazide and with other sulfonylureas, the following undesirable effects have to be mentioned.
Hypoglycemia
As for other sulfonylureas, treatment with Gliclazide can cause hypoglycaemia, if mealtimes are irregular and, in particular, if meals are skipped. 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 lethal outcome.
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 carbohydrates (sugar). However, artificial sweeteners have no effect. Experience with other sulfonylureas shows that hypoglycaemia can recur even when measures prove effective initially.
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 are required.
Gastrointestinal disturbances, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, diarrhoea and constipation have been reported. These can be avoided or minimised if Gliclazide is taken with a meal.
The following undesirable effects have been more rarely reported:
- Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Changes in haematology are rare. They may include anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia. These are in general reversible upon discontinuation of Gliclazide.
- Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash, pruritus, urticaria, erythema, maculopapular rashes, bullous reactions, (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis), photosensitivity skin reactions.
- Hepatobiliary disorders: Raised hepatic enzyme levels (ASAT, ALAT, alkaline phosphatase), hepatitis (isolated reports). Discontinue treatment if cholestatic jaundice appears.
These symptoms usually disappear after discontinuation oftreatment.
- Eye disorders: Transient visual disturbances may occur, especially on initiation of treatment, due to changes in blood glucose levels.
Class attribution effects
Cases of erythrocytopenia, agranulocytosis, haemolytic anaemia, pancytopenia and allergic vasculitis have been described for other sulfonylureas.
With sulfonylureas cases were also observed of elevated liver enzyme levels and even impairment of liver function (e.g. with cholestasis and jaundice) and hepatitis which regressed after withdrawal of the sulfonylurea or led to life-threatening liver failure in isolated cases.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions:
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation 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 via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9 Overdose
An overdose of sulfonylureas may cause hypoglycaemia.
Moderate symptoms of hypoglycaemia, without any loss of consciousness or neurological signs, must be corrected by carbohydrate intake, dose adjustment and/or change of diet. Strict monitoring should be continued until the doctor is sure that the patient is out of danger.
Severe hypoglycaemic reactions, with coma, convulsions or other neurological disorders are possible and must be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate hospitalisation.
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 that will maintain blood glucose levels above 1 g/l. Patients should be monitored closely and, depending on the patient's condition after this time, the doctor will decide if further monitoring is necessary.
Dialysis is of no benefit to patients due to the strong binding of gliclazide to proteins.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Gliclazide is a hypoglycaemic sulphonylurea differing from other related compounds by the addition of an azabicyclo octane ring. Oral sulphonylureas act by stimulating the release of insulin from beta cells but they may also have long-term extra pancreatic effects that reduce hepatic glucose production and increase the number of peripheral insulin receptors. Sulphonylureas are effective only in individuals with functional beta cells.
In man, apart from having a similar hypoglycaemic effect to other sulphonylureas, gliclazide has been shown to reduce platelet adhesiveness and aggregation and increase fibrinolytic activity. These factors are thought to be implicated in the pathogenesis of long term complications of diabetes mellitus.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
The drug is well absorbed and its half life in man is approximately 10 - 12 hours. Gliclazide is metabolised in the liver to inactive metabolites; less than 5% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. Although there is a dose-dependent relationship between gliclazide and plasma concentrations, no clear correlation with hypoglycaemic activity exists.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
No further relevant information.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Lactose monohydrate Silicon dioxide Pregelatinised Maize Starch Talc
Magnesium Stearate
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable
6.3 Shelf life
36 months
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
The tablets are packaged into white, opaque polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/aluminium foil blister packs. Boxes of 28 and 60 tablets are available. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
No special instructions. Tablets to be taken as directed by a physician.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Relonchem Limted,
Cheshire House,
Gorsey Lane, Widnes, Cheshire,
WA8 0RP, UK
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 20395/0046
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE
AUTHORISATION
02/10/2006
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
28/04/2016