Gliclazide Tablet Side Effects in Pakistan

Complete guide to Gliclazide (Diamicron) side effects. The most important risk is hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) — be sure to know its symptoms and the emergency action to take.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

Side Effects

Quick Answer

The most important side effect of Gliclazide Tablet (Diamicron) is hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) — symptoms include sweating, shaking, confusion, and in severe cases unconsciousness or seizures. Other common effects include weight gain, nausea, and headache. Rare serious effects include haematological disorders and hepatotoxicity. Seek emergency help immediately for severe hypoglycaemia (unconsciousness or seizure). Always carry glucose/sugar tablets when taking Gliclazide.

Side Effects at a Glance

Common

Hypoglycaemia
Weight gain
Nausea (matli)
Diarrhea (dast)
Headache (sir dard)

Serious — See a Doctor

Severe hypoglycaemia — unconsciousness, seizures (especially elderly, renal impairment, fasting) — EMERGENCY
Haematological effects: thrombocytopenia, leukopenia (rare)
Hepatotoxicity: jaundice, elevated liver enzymes (rare)

When to See a Doctor Immediately

EMERGENCY: Severe hypoglycaemia — unconsciousness or seizures — call an ambulance immediately
Repeated mild hypoglycaemia episodes — dose adjustment required
Jaundice — sign of liver toxicity
Unusual bruising or bleeding — sign of a blood disorder
Skin rash or allergic reaction

Gliclazide Tablet Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Gliclazide Tablet (Diamicron) is safe and effective under doctor supervision. However, the most important risk is HYPOGLYCAEMIA (low blood sugar) — it is essential to be fully aware of this.

CRITICAL — Hypoglycaemia Warning (Sugar Girne Ka Khatre)

Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar) Symptoms:

Sweating (paseena aana)
Shaking / trembling (kaanpna)
Confusion
Rapid heartbeat
Hunger (bhuook)
Dizziness (chakkar)
In severe cases: Unconsciousness or Seizures

Emergency Action:

Mild: Immediately take sweet juice, glucose tablet, or sugar
Severe: Call an ambulance immediately — glucose injection is given in hospital

Always carry glucose tablets or sugar with you.

Common Side Effects (Aam Nuksanat)

Hypoglycaemia (sab se important — upar dekhen)
Weight gain
Nausea (matli)
Diarrhea (dast)
Headache (sir dard)

Uncommon Side Effects (Ghair Aam)

Dizziness (chakkar)
Skin rash
Abdominal pain

Serious Side Effects (Sanjeedah Nuksanat)

Severe hypoglycaemia (unconsciousness, seizures) — EMERGENCY — call ambulance immediately
Haematological effects: thrombocytopenia, leukopenia — see a doctor immediately
Hepatotoxicity: jaundice, elevated liver enzymes (rare) — see a doctor immediately

High-Risk Groups (Zyada Risk Wale Patients)

The risk of hypoglycaemia is especially high in these patients:

Elderly (burzurg): prolonged severe hypoglycaemia
Renal impairment: drug accumulation
Fasting: glucose availability kam
Vigorous exercise: glucose rapid use
Alcohol use: enhanced hypoglycaemia

When to See a Doctor (Kab Doctor Se Milna Zaroori Hai)

EMERGENCY: Severe hypoglycaemia — unconsciousness or seizures — call an ambulance immediately
Repeated mild hypoglycaemia episodes (dose adjustment required)
Jaundice
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Skin rash or allergic reaction

Side Effects Summary Table

Type	Side Effect	Action
Common	Hypoglycaemia (mild)	Take glucose/sugar immediately
Common	Weight gain	Maintain diet; consult your doctor
Serious	Severe hypoglycaemia	EMERGENCY — ambulance
Serious	Jaundice	See a doctor immediately
Rare	Bone marrow suppression	See a doctor immediately

Reporting Side Effects

If you notice any unexpected side effect, report it on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal: https://www.dra.gov.pk/pharmacovigilance

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. If you notice any side effect, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gliclazide ka sab se khatarnak side effect kya hai?

The most dangerous side effect is HYPOGLYCAEMIA (low blood sugar). Severe cases can cause unconsciousness or seizures — this is an emergency. Always carry glucose or sugar. This risk is higher in elderly patients and those with kidney disease.

Hypoglycaemia ke symptoms kya hain aur kya karna chahiye?

Symptoms: sweating, trembling, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, hunger. Immediately take: sweet juice, glucose tablet, or sugar. In severe cases (unconsciousness): call an ambulance immediately — the patient will not be able to take anything themselves.

Kya Gliclazide se wazan badh jata hai?

Yes, Sulfonylureas (Gliclazide) can cause weight gain. Maintain diet and exercise. If weight gain is excessive, speak with your doctor — combination therapy or an alternative may be considered.

Kya Gliclazide se liver ko nuksan ho sakta hai?

In rare cases, liver enzymes may rise or jaundice may occur. If you notice yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, or extreme fatigue, see a doctor immediately.

Beta-blockers aur Gliclazide saath lene ka kya masla hai?

Beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol) mask the common symptoms of hypoglycaemia (heart racing, trembling). Sweating may remain as the only sign. Therefore, monitor blood sugar more frequently while taking a beta-blocker.

Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Gliclazide Tablet.

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Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.