Glad

Quick links to important sections

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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.

Overview of Glad

Property Description
Active ingredient Gliclazide
Form Oral tablet (often modified-release, MR)
Pharmacological class Oral Hypoglycemic Agent
Common use Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Origin Synthetic Sulfonylurea Derivative

What is the Composition and Class of Glad?

Glad is a prescription-only medicine for adults requiring management of high blood sugar associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its single active ingredient is Gliclazide, which fundamentally classifies the drug as an oral hypoglycemic agent—a compound designed to be taken by mouth to regulate blood glucose. Gliclazide is a synthetic single-ingredient product belonging to the sulfonylurea derivative class. The use of Gliclazide for glucose management is clinically recognized and supported by pharmacological studies. Gliclazide is categorized within the second generation of these derivatives. This classification confirms its established role in the treatment strategy for this condition.

What is the Purpose and Form of Gliclazide?

The therapeutic purpose of Gliclazide is to provide a reliable means of achieving stable blood glucose-lowering medication effect. The drug primarily functions as an insulin secretagogue, meaning its core physiological action is the stimulation of the pancreas's beta-cells to enhance the natural release of insulin. Gliclazide is used for the primary outcome of blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Gliclazide helps achieve necessary glucose control, which is essential for mitigating the long-term risks of the condition.

Gliclazide is most commonly available as an oral tablet, frequently prepared as a modified-release (MR) formulation. This specific dosage form is engineered to control the release of the active ingredient over an extended duration, supporting continuous and stable metabolic control throughout the day.

Regulatory References

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine (NIH)

What side effects are possible with Glad?

The most frequently documented adverse reaction associated with Gliclazide, consistent with its classification as an oral hypoglycemic agent, is hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which is officially classified as common. This risk is considered inherent to the drug’s action and is a factor explicitly noted to be higher with irregular mealtimes, fasting, or strenuous exercise.

Organ System-Specific Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions documented in regulatory prescribing information are grouped by the physiological system affected:

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Disturbances such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are classified as uncommon to common.
  • Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Reactions include rash, itching (pruritus), and hives (urticaria). The label also documents rare but serious events such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
  • Hepatobiliary Disorders: Elevated liver enzymes and rare instances of hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported. These effects are generally reversible upon cessation of the medicine.
  • Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Rare changes, including anaemia, leucopoenia, and thrombocytopenia, may occur. Caution is noted in individuals with G6PD-deficiency due to the risk of haemolytic anaemia.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

The safety profile is restricted for certain groups as defined by official labels. Gliclazide is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment due to the increased potential for prolonged hypoglycaemia. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy have not been established in children and adolescents (pediatric population).

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Manifestations and Risks

An overdose of Glad is officially documented to present primarily with signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression. The typical manifestations listed in regulatory information include somnolence (excessive drowsiness), mental confusion, slurred speech, and impaired coordination (ataxia).

The most serious, life-threatening outcomes reported in official documents are respiratory depression, hypotension, and coma. Regulatory guidance notes that the risk of fatality is significantly increased when Glad is co-ingested with other CNS depressants, particularly alcohol or opioids. Geriatric patients may also exhibit enhanced sensitivity to these effects.

Emergency Response and Required Actions

Regulators strictly require that immediate medical attention must be sought for any suspected overdose. Emergency services must be contacted immediately if symptoms progress to involve severe compromise, such as difficulty breathing or profound unresponsiveness.

Management procedures described in official documents are primarily symptomatic and supportive treatment, focusing on maintaining a patent airway and closely monitoring vital signs. The specific antagonist Flumazenil is documented as a potential intervention; however, its use carries specific regulatory warnings due to the risk of precipitating seizures in certain high-risk situations.

Therapeutic Uses of Glad

Quick Facts: Therapeutic Domains

  • Anxiety Management: Is used to help manage symptoms of severe anxiety.
  • Panic Disorder: Is a therapeutic option for the treatment of panic disorder, including cases with or without agoraphobia.

Glad is a prescription medication intended for symptomatic support in specific mental health conditions. It is primarily utilized in the management of severe anxiety, often prescribed for short periods of time. This medication can assist in alleviating symptoms such as excessive worry and tension, which are characteristic of anxiety disorders.

Furthermore, Glad is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder. This includes conditions where individuals experience sudden, recurrent feelings of fear, sometimes associated with or without the presence of agoraphobia. By helping to reduce the frequency and intensity of these attacks, the medication may contribute to improved patient quality of life.

In some cases, the drug is also associated with the temporary management of anxiety-related sleep disturbances, offering support in the initial stages of treatment.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus guidance on benzodiazepines

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for using Glad (Gliclazide) is strictly determined by governmental regulatory labeling, confining its use to the approved patient population and physiological states.

Eligibility Scope

Eligibility Classification Status According to Regulatory Documents
Populations Allowed Adults (ge 18 years) with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus that is not adequately controlled by diet and exercise alone.
Use Not Recommended Children and Adolescents (le 18 years); Use is not established in these age groups.

Contraindicated Populations and Conditions

Glad is strictly contraindicated (must not be used) in patients presenting with the following conditions or characteristics, as defined in official prescribing information:

  • Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus or Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Pre-coma, or Coma.
  • Severe Organ Impairment: Patients with severe renal (kidney) or severe hepatic (liver) insufficiency.
  • Hypersensitivity to Gliclazide, other sulfonylureas, or related sulfonamides.
  • Concomitant Treatment: Concurrent use with the antifungal agent Miconazole (systemic or oromucosal gel).
  • Physiological State: Women who are Pregnant or Lactating (Breastfeeding).

Eligibility-Related Restrictions

Use is restricted and requires careful medical supervision in populations deemed to be at a higher risk of hypoglycemia, such as elderly patients and those with moderate hepatic or renal impairment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section outlines interactions with other substances as documented in official government regulatory information.

Formal Interaction Restrictions

Classification Interacting Substance(s) Official Outcome Constraint
Contraindicated Combination Miconazole (systemic or oromucosal gel) Prohibited co-administration due to officially documented severe potentiation of the hypoglycaemic effect.
Combination Not Recommended Alcohol or products containing alcohol Must be avoided, as it officially increases the hypoglycaemic reaction by inhibiting compensatory mechanisms.
Combination Not Recommended Phenylbutazone (systemic route) Increases the blood glucose-lowering effect by displacing Gliclazide from plasma proteins or reducing its elimination.
Combination Not Recommended Danazol Officially documented diabetogenic effect, increasing blood glucose levels.

Interactions Requiring Precautions

Official documents classify numerous products as requiring precautions for use due to potential interaction outcomes:

  • Potentiation of Hypoglycemia: Other antidiabetic agents (Insulin, Metformin, etc.), Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, Fluconazole, H2-receptor antagonists, and Clarithromycin. Co-administration may increase the blood glucose-lowering effect.
  • Hyperglycemia Risk: Glucocorticoids, I.V. beta2-Agonists (Ritodrine, Salbutamol, Terbutaline), and high doses of Chlorpromazine are documented to potentially increase blood glucose levels.
  • Exposure Reduction: Preparations containing St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) are officially noted to decrease the systemic exposure of Gliclazide.
  • Dysglycemia/Unstable Glucose: The concomitant use of Fluoroquinolones is associated with reported disturbances in blood glucose (hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia), particularly noted in elderly patients.

Population and Condition-Specific Interaction Notes

Regulatory information specifies that patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment have an increased risk of severe hypoglycaemic reactions due to altered drug distribution and reduced neoglucogenesis capacity.

Mechanism of Action

Targeting Growth Signals via EGFR Inhibition

Glad's primary mode of action involves the inhibition of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), a protein that transmits signals influencing cell growth and survival. By binding to the receptor's internal signaling domain, Glad inhibits the receptor's tyrosine kinase activity and subsequent downstream signaling cascade, resulting in a net suppression of proliferation signaling in the affected tissues.

Suppressing Inflammation and Metabolic Support

The drug utilizes a multi-target approach by also inhibiting enzymes crucial for supporting the cellular environment, specifically Cyclooxygenases (COX) and Lipoxygenases (LOX), which are involved in generating inflammatory mediators. Concurrently, it inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in critical lipid metabolic pathways. This dual action modulates the production of localized inflammatory mediators and alters the synthesis of growth-supportive metabolic precursors.

The Synergy of Multi-Domain Suppression

Glad acts across multiple mechanistic domains—proliferation, inflammation, and metabolism—to modulate the overall cellular signaling environment. The combination of these actions results in the concurrent modulation of proliferation, inflammation, and metabolic signaling pathways. This multi-mechanistic modulation is the basis of the drug's suppressive effect profile.

Dosage and Administration Information

Glad (Gliclazide) is an oral medication administered for the high-level management of blood glucose. The modified-release (MR) formulation is typically taken once daily as a single dose. The tablet is typically consumed with breakfast or the first main meal of the day, a principle tied to the nature of this oral hypoglycemic agent.

The starting dose for the MR formulation is usually 30 mg daily, and the maintenance dose may range from 30 mg up to a maximum recommended daily dose of 120 mg. The adjustment protocol involves the dose being increased progressively, with increments generally occurring after a monitoring period of at least one month to assess the stability of glucose levels.

The tablets are swallowed whole with water and are not crushed or chewed, as this action compromises the integrity of the extended-release mechanism. If a dose is forgotten, the missed dose is skipped and the next scheduled dose is continued at the usual time; the following day’s dose is not doubled to compensate. For specific populations, such as older adults, the minimum dose of 30 mg is commonly used for initiation.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Glad (Gliclazide)

This overview summarizes official research concerning Gliclazide, strictly focusing on the study designs, populations, and outcomes examined.


Evidence for Use in Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Gliclazide was observed in research settings evaluating the long-term management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. The core evidence comes from numerous Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. Research primarily examined changes in the long-term blood sugar marker, Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), an outcome related to systemic imbalance. Studies report patterns showing that Gliclazide was associated with measurable shifts in HbA1c levels over the study periods. However, evidence quality varies across older comparative trials, and comparative data against all newest drug classes is limited.

Research on Long-Term Effects and Vascular Outcomes

Large-scale, extended-duration research, such as the ADVANCE trial, examined whether an intensive glucose control regimen, with Gliclazide modified-release as the primary drug, showed patterns related to differences in serious cardiovascular and kidney complications.

This research explored long-term clinical outcomes like major vascular events and kidney function (nephropathy). Findings described patterns where a lower rate of the overall composite vascular endpoint was observed in the intensive control strategy group. This was described as being primarily related to patterns observed in the rate of microvascular events. Long-term effects are not fully established beyond the five-year duration of the main trial, and results apply only to the populations studied under that specific control strategy.

Evidence in Special Populations and Gaps

Researchers examined data from subgroup analyses and observational settings to study patients defined as elderly and those with mild-to-moderate renal insufficiency (kidney impairment). Gliclazide was observed in studies monitoring rates of severe hypoglycemia events in those patient groups. However, data for certain groups remain insufficient, and follow-up durations were limited. Therefore, evidence highlights what is known—and what is still uncertain—regarding long-term, comparative use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Glad (FAQ)

Q: What should I do if I overdose on Glad?

A: Official regulatory documents indicate that an overdose of Gliclazide may cause severe hypoglycaemia (very low blood sugar). Immediate intake of sugar or carbohydrate-containing food is recommended for management. Severe reactions, such as loss of consciousness, require immediate emergency medical care for management, typically involving intravenous glucose and continuous medical observation.

Q: How quickly does Gliclazide start to work, and how long does it stay in my system?

A: Official pharmacokinetic information indicates that Gliclazide reaches its highest level in the bloodstream approximately 2 to 6 hours after the tablet is taken. The drug’s elimination half-life is estimated to be around 10 to 12 hours, according to product information.

Q: Can Gliclazide be split or cut to take a smaller dose?

A: According to the official product information, the modified-release tablet should not be crushed, chewed, or split. It must be swallowed whole with water, as cutting the tablet can compromise the controlled-release mechanism.

Q: What are the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Gliclazide?

A: Regulatory documents report that severe allergic reactions, although rare, can occur. Serious signs of allergy reported include rapid swelling of tissues, such as the face, lips, or tongue (angioedema), which may cause difficulty breathing. Official information also documents rare, serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Q: Is Gliclazide safe for a patient with a known Sulfa (sulfonamide) allergy?

A: Official prescribing information indicates that Glad (Gliclazide) is contraindicated if a patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Gliclazide itself, to other sulfonylureas, or to related sulfonamides.

How should Glad be stored and disposed of?

The official regulatory requirements for storing and disposing of Glad are based on its stability profile, ensuring the medicine remains effective and safe.

Storage Requirements

Glad must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, typically maintained between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F). The medicine must be protected from both moisture and excessive heat; therefore, it should not be stored in humid areas or above 30 C. The official label strictly prohibits freezing or refrigeration. The product must remain in its original container to maintain packaging integrity and must be kept out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental exposure.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Glad should be disposed of using an authorized drug take-back program. If a take-back option is unavailable, the regulatory guidelines instruct patients to mix the medicine with an undesirable substance (such as used coffee grounds or dirt) and place the mixture in a sealed container before discarding it in the household trash. This procedure prevents environmental contamination and intentional misuse. Glad should not be flushed down the toilet unless the regulatory labeling explicitly lists it as safe to flush.

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

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Glad found in:

A-Z Index: