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Admira

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Admira

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Admira

What is Admira? An Overview of Gliclazide

Property Description
Active Ingredient Gliclazide (INN)
Form Tablet (often Modified Release, MR)
Pharmacological Class Oral Antidiabetic Agent (Second-Generation Sulfonylurea)
Common Use Management of high blood sugar in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Origin Synthetic chemical substance

Admira's Identity and Pharmacological Classification

Admira is a prescription-only pharmaceutical preparation used for the management of high blood sugar levels associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. Its active ingredient is Gliclazide, which is chemically classified as a sulfonylurea derivative, placing it firmly within the Oral Antidiabetic Agent class. The drug's classification as an Oral Hypoglycaemic Agent is clinically recognized for its efficacy in lowering blood glucose levels following oral administration. Gliclazide is a synthetic small molecule whose established therapeutic value in managing diabetes is recognized globally.


Composition, Form, and Therapeutic Function

Admira is a single active ingredient product supplied for oral administration as a tablet. To ensure consistent delivery, the drug is frequently formulated as a Modified Release (MR) preparation, a feature distinguishing it from immediate-release generic forms, where the synthetic Gliclazide is embedded in a matrix of solid pharmaceutical excipients. The core therapeutic function of Gliclazide is rooted in its role as an insulin secretagogue. This high-level mechanism is essential for management: the medicine directly helps the pancreas release more of the body’s own stored insulin, which is necessary for lowering high blood sugar. Gliclazide also possesses hemovascular properties, indicating that the drug offers benefits beyond blood sugar lowering by supporting vascular function, a relevant consideration for patients with diabetes.

Regulatory References

  1. Gliclazide on WHO Essential Medicines List (eEML)
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What side effects are possible with Admira?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The officially documented safety profile of Admira (Gliclazide) is primarily characterized by its principal action as an oral hypoglycaemic agent. The most frequent and clinically significant adverse reaction classified as Common is hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which may rarely progress to a severe state requiring immediate attention.


Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Classification Example Effects (System-Organ Class)
Common Hypoglycaemia (Metabolism and nutrition disorders)
Uncommon Gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea)
Rare Blood disorders (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia) and severe skin reactions (e.g., bullous reactions)

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Regulatory documents highlight that severe and prolonged hypoglycaemia and rare but serious reactions, such as cholestatic jaundice and certain severe allergic skin reactions (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome), are documented risks associated with the medicine.

Safety limitations are defined by Contraindications that restrict use in specific patient populations. The medication is officially contraindicated in cases of severe renal impairment and severe hepatic impairment due to the significantly increased risk of prolonged and life-threatening hypoglycaemia. Furthermore, use during pregnancy and lactation is contraindicated.

Transient visual disturbances may be observed, particularly upon the initiation of treatment, reflecting changes in blood glucose levels. The risk of hypoglycaemia is contextually heightened during periods of low-calorie diets, prolonged physical exercise, or in combination with alcohol, according to regulatory notes.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The most frequent and clinically significant manifestation of Admira (Gliclazide) overdose is severe and prolonged hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), as documented in regulatory prescribing information. Overdose may lead to a range of symptoms, including signs of neuroglycopenia such as confusion, speech disorders, dizziness, and ultimately, loss of consciousness or coma. Signs of adrenergic counter-regulation may also be present, including sweating, clammy skin, tachycardia, and palpitations.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Official government guidance mandates that individuals seek immediate medical attention or hospitalisation if the hypoglycaemic episode is classified as severe or prolonged, even if symptoms are temporarily relieved by sugar intake. If the individual is unconscious, emergency services must be called immediately. Initial management for symptoms involves the urgent intake of a form of sugar or carbohydrate.

Specific Considerations

Official labeling notes that certain populations are at an increased risk for a prolonged reaction following an overdose. This includes elderly subjects and patients with severe hepatic or renal insufficiency.

Management in a hospital setting is symptomatic and supportive, focusing on continuous monitoring and the necessary administration of glucose for a period that may extend over several days to counteract the drug's sustained effect.

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Therapeutic Uses of Admira

What Admira Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Admira (Gliclazide) is commonly used for the long-term management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, a condition characterized by persistent high blood sugar. This medication is indicated when dietary measures alone are inadequate to control blood glucose.

The primary therapeutic focus is applied in addressing the symptom clusters of hyperglycemia, including persistently high Fasting Plasma Glucose and elevated postprandial glucose levels. Admira supports the goal of achieving and maintaining long-term Overall Glycemic Control, especially when maintaining blood sugar control cannot be achieved solely through changes to diet and exercise.

The medication plays a role in managing metabolic control. This contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms, assists with maintaining functional stability, and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.


Quick Fact: Relief for Hyperglycemia
Supports the patient in maintaining blood glucose within the target range, which contributes to easing the overall symptom load.

Regulatory References

  1. DIAMICRON® MR - TGA
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Admira?

Eligibility for Admira (Gliclazide) is strictly defined by regulatory documents, which establish clear criteria for use and absolute contraindications.

Eligibility Scope

Admira is indicated solely for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus when blood glucose control has not been achieved through diet and exercise alone. Use is contra-indicated for several populations based on official labeling, including those with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, acute conditions such as diabetic keto-acidosis, or those experiencing severe hepatic or severe renal insufficiency.

Population Status Regulatory Classification
Pediatric Patients (Under 18) Use Not Established (Safety/efficacy not confirmed)
Pregnancy Not Recommended (Insulin replacement advised)
Lactation Contra-indicated

Contraindications and Restrictions

Absolute contraindications also include Hypersensitivity to Gliclazide, other sulfonylureas, or sulfonamides, as well as concurrent treatment with Miconazole (systemic or oromucosal gel). While severe organ impairment prohibits use, patients with moderate hepatic disease may require a dosage reduction. The medicine should be used with caution in older adults, who may be more susceptible to its blood sugar-lowering effects.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents categorize the interactions of Admira (Gliclazide) primarily by their potential to alter blood glucose control or Gliclazide exposure. A formal contraindication is established for co-administration with Miconazole (systemic or oromucosal gel), as this combination severely potentiates the blood glucose lowering effect.


Documented Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Interaction Type Interacting Agent Examples Official Outcome Description
Potentiation of Hypoglycaemia Other Antidiabetic Agents, NSAIDs, ACE Inhibitors, Beta-blockers, Fluconazole, Clarithromycin, MAOIs Increases the blood glucose lowering effect, raising the risk of low blood sugar.
Antagonism (Hyperglycaemia) Danazol, Glucocorticoids, high-dose Chlorpromazine Officially documented to increase blood glucose levels by reducing insulin release or carbohydrate tolerance.
Altered Exposure/Clearance St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Phenylbutazone St. John's Wort decreases Gliclazide exposure. Phenylbutazone reduces Gliclazide elimination and/or displaces protein binding.

Co-administration with Alcohol is not recommended as it increases the hypoglycaemic reaction by inhibiting the body’s compensatory mechanisms. Furthermore, the official labeling notes that the interaction risk with Fluoroquinolones is of particular relevance in elderly patients, and a hypoglycaemic episode may be prolonged in those with severe hepatic or renal insufficiency.

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Mechanism of Action

How Admira Works

Receptor Targeting and Activation

This domain covers the drug's core molecular action, which is to act as a selective agonist on beta-3 adrenergic receptors (beta3-AR) found predominantly on the smooth muscle cells of the bladder wall (the detrusor muscle). By stimulating this specific target, the drug initiates an internal cellular signaling sequence.

Modulation of Bladder Smooth Muscle Tone

The activated receptors trigger a cascade that increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) within the muscle cells. This rise in cAMP leads directly to the relaxation of the detrusor muscle. This modification of muscle tone affects pathways that modulate the frequency of detrusor muscle contractions during the bladder filling phase.

Resulting Physiological Capacity

The mechanism alters activity within targeted pathways, resulting in altered bladder capacity and compliance (its ability to hold fluid and stretch). This physiological adjustment is the consequence of the drug's mechanism of modulating detrusor muscle contraction signaling.

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Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Admira

Admira (Gliclazide Modified Release, MR) is a pharmaceutical preparation used for the chronic management of high blood sugar in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Its usage is governed by precise instructions defining the route, dose, frequency, and administration conditions.


Administration Protocol and Dosage

Instruction Detail
Route of Administration The preparation is supplied for oral administration only.
Approved Form and Strength Admira is supplied as a Modified Release (MR) tablet, typically available in 30 mg and 60 mg strengths.
Dosing Frequency The tablet is taken as a single dose once daily.
Timing and Condition Intake must occur with breakfast or the first main meal of the day.
Tablet Integrity The MR tablet must be swallowed whole. It is instructed that the tablet must not be crushed, divided, or chewed.

Standard Regimen and Dose Adjustment

Administration begins with a 30 mg starting dose once daily. Dosing may be adjusted to achieve glycemic goals, with an established maximum daily limit of 120 mg. The process for increasing the dose (titration) requires increases to be made in 30 mg increments (e.g., 30 mg to 60 mg, 60 mg to 90 mg). This adjustment usually occurs after a minimum of one month, although a dose increase may be considered sooner if the blood glucose level is not adequately reduced after two weeks of initial use.

Specific usage constraints include rules for missed timing: if a dose is forgotten, the subsequent dose must not be increased to make up for the omission. While older adults (65 years and over) typically follow the standard regimen, patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment generally require specific evaluation or may have its use restricted.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Admira (Gliclazide)


Evidence for Use in Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The research structure for Admira was studied with Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and pooled analyses of these studies. This medication was studied for use in adults diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The primary research goal was to evaluate key outcomes related to glycemic markers, particularly the measurement of the biomarker Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)—an indicator of average blood sugar over several months—and acute levels of Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG).

Studies explored how patients responded to the medication when their blood sugar could not be sufficiently managed through diet and exercise alone. Findings from numerous trials described patterns related to changes in these glycemic markers when evaluated in adults with T2DM. The evidence for T2DM management was studied for its initial and sustained evaluation of changes in these key blood markers.


Focus on Long-Term Outcomes and Durability of Effect

Researchers have also explored the potential for the medication to influence long-term clinical events. This research primarily explored the potential long-term patterns of microvascular complications, such as those affecting the eyes or kidneys. Findings from these extended observation periods described patterns observed in the studies related to the development of microvascular complications, particularly those involving the kidneys (nephropathy).

However, for the most serious events, such as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), older pivotal trials were not specifically designed to assess these outcomes as the primary endpoint. Therefore, the long-term effects are not fully established by trials designed specifically for primary cardiovascular comparison against all available therapies.


Key Evidence Gaps and Areas of Research Uncertainty

Official regulatory reviews and systematic analyses identify several areas where the available research is limited or where certainty remains low:

  • Comparative evidence is lacking from long-term, head-to-head RCTs that directly compare it to many of the newest classes of antidiabetic drugs (e.g., SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 agonists).
  • Data for certain groups remain insufficient, specifically for pediatric populations or in pregnant patients.
  • Reviews have noted that evidence quality varies across studies due to differences in design and population size, which means that subgroup findings are uncertain, and results apply only to the populations studied.

Key Studies & References

  1. Public Assessment Report Scientific discussion Gliclazide Sandoz retard 60 mg, modified-release tablets (gliclazide) NL/H/3384/001/DC (Regulatory Overview)
  2. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of The Efficacy and Hypoglycemic Safety of Gliclazide Versus Other Sulfonylureas
  3. Management of type 2 diabetes: NICE guidelines [NG28]
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Admira (FAQ)

Q: Is Admira the same type of medicine as [similar drug name]?

A: Admira contains the active ingredient Gliclazide, which belongs to a specific class of oral antidiabetic agents called sulfonylureas. While there are many medications used to manage high blood sugar, regulatory documents note that Admira differs from some other diabetes medicines in its specific molecular structure and how it stimulates the body to release insulin.

Q: What happens if I accidentally take more Admira than intended?

A: Taking more of this medicine than prescribed can cause severe hypoglycaemia (very low blood sugar). Symptoms of low blood sugar may include confusion, excessive sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. Official guidance describes the need for immediate medical attention if this accidental overdose occurs.

Q: Does Admira affect birth control pills?

A: Official information indicates that female hormones, such as those found in oral contraceptive pills, may increase blood glucose levels. Because of this, the birth control pill might reduce the blood sugar-lowering effect of Admira, and close monitoring of blood sugar levels may be necessary.

Q: Will Admira interfere with my ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: Patients are officially advised to be mindful of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which can include dizziness or confusion. Because these symptoms may interfere with the ability to drive or operate machinery, official warnings advise caution, particularly when treatment is first started.

Q: Is the tiredness I feel from my condition or from Admira?

A: Official documents classify the most frequent adverse effect of Admira as hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar often include drowsiness and confusion. This is one of the documented ways the medication's primary action may be associated with such feelings.

Q: Is it normal to feel [mild, non-serious symptom] when starting Admira?

A: When starting Admira, it is important to be aware of the first signs of the most common adverse effect, which is hypoglycaemia. These initial signs are described as feeling shaky, anxious, dizzy, or sweating excessively, and patients should be made aware of these signs early in treatment, according to regulatory notes.

Q: Does Admira cause weight gain?

A: Clinical studies conducted on the modified-release formulation of Gliclazide, the active ingredient in Admira, have noted that body weight typically remains stable during the course of treatment. This observation distinguishes it from some other older diabetes medications.

Q: Are there any long-term effects of taking Admira?

A: Official research evidence has explored the use of Admira in long-term controlled clinical trials over extended observation periods. These studies examined specific patterns related to microvascular complications, such as those affecting the kidneys, and reported on non-specific adverse events over time.

Q: What is the shelf life of Admira?

A: The official shelf life is determined by the regulatory stability data for the product and is typically stated as 3 years from the date of manufacture. This information can be found printed alongside the expiration date on the product packaging.

Q: What if Admira doesn't seem to be working for me after a few months?

A: The official administration protocol includes a specific process for dose adjustment (titration) if blood sugar levels are not adequately managed. This process allows for increases in the dose up to the established maximum daily limit, which typically involves reassessment after a minimum of one month.

Q: How long does it typically take for Admira to start working?

A: The medication is expected to begin lowering blood sugar levels soon after therapy is initiated. The official protocol notes that a dose increase may be considered if blood glucose levels are not sufficiently reduced after two weeks of initial use, indicating that initial effectiveness should be evaluated around this time.

Q: How long does the effect of one dose of Admira last?

A: Admira is formulated as a modified-release tablet, which is designed to release the drug progressively over a 24-hour period. This design allows for its recommended once-daily dosing. The elimination half-life (T1/2) of the active ingredient is approximately 16 hours.

Q: Will Admira cure my condition, or just manage symptoms?

A: Official labeling and regulatory documents describe Admira as being used for the management or control of high blood sugar associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is not designated or described in official sources as a cure for the condition.

Q: What tests might doctors run before prescribing Admira?

A: Due to regulatory constraints, the medicine is contra-indicated (cannot be used) in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. Because of this, a common part of the initial evaluation involves assessing a patient’s kidney and liver function before starting therapy.

Q: What evidence supports the use of Admira for long-term treatment?

A: The support for long-term use comes from studies that have investigated effectiveness by monitoring key biomarkers like Glycated Hemoglobin ( HbA1c), which reflects average blood sugar over several months. Official research also includes observations related to long-term microvascular complications.

Q: How quickly does Admira get eliminated from the body?

A: The body breaks down the drug into by-products (metabolites and conjugates), which are eliminated primarily via the kidneys (60–70% of elimination) and to a lesser extent via the feces (10–20%).

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How should Admira be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Admira

The storage and disposal of Admira (Gliclazide) must strictly follow the conditions defined in the official regulatory labeling to ensure product stability and safety.


Storage Conditions

Admira tablets must be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 C (77 F), though regional variations may permit storage up to 30 C. The medicine must be protected from moisture and should be stored in its original container or blister pack. The tablets must not be used after the expiry date printed on the package.


Child Safety and Disposal

For safety, Admira must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal of unused or expired tablets must be carried out according to local regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical waste. Medicines must not be thrown away with household waste or disposed of in wastewater, in line with environmental protection guidelines.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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Equivalent of Admira found in:

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