Dimerol 80 mg

Description

Indications Dimerol is an oral antidiabetic medication from the sulfonylurea class that helps lower blood sugar levels. It is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet, exercise, and weight management alone are insufficient in maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels.

Pharmacology Gliclazide, the active ingredient in Dimerol, is a second-generation sulfonylurea that exhibits hypoglycemic effects along with potential hematological benefits. It promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells by enhancing calcium ion transport across beta-cell membranes, thereby reducing hepatic glucose production.

Dosage & Administration

• Film-coated tablet: The standard starting dose is 40-80 mg daily, which can be increased up to 320 mg per day, divided into multiple doses if necessary. The medication should be taken before meals. Gliclazide is not recommended for children as it is contraindicated in juvenile-onset diabetes.
• Modified release (MR) preparation: Follow the prescribed dosage as directed by your doctor. The dose is tailored based on blood and urine sugar levels, with adjustments required due to changes in weight, lifestyle, or other external factors.
  • The usual daily dosage is one to four tablets (maximum 120 mg) taken once daily at breakfast.
  • Swallow the tablet(s) whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush them.
  • Always consume a meal after taking this medicine.
• Combination therapy: If Dimerol is used alongside metformin, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, or insulin, the doctor will determine the appropriate dose for each medication.

Overdose Management In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms include hypoglycemia, which can be managed by consuming sugar (4-6 sugar cubes) or a sugary drink, followed by a substantial meal. If unconscious, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

Missed Dose If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the time of the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

Discontinuation As diabetes management is typically lifelong, consult a doctor before stopping Dimerol to avoid hyperglycemia and associated complications.

Drug Interactions Dimerol’s blood sugar-lowering effect may be enhanced by:

• Other antidiabetic medications (oral antidiabetics, GLP-1 receptor agonists, insulin)
• Certain antibiotics (sulfonamides, clarithromycin)
• Medications for hypertension or heart failure (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors)
• Antifungal drugs (miconazole, fluconazole)
• Anti-ulcer medications (H2 receptor antagonists)
• Antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs (phenylbutazone, ibuprofen)
• Alcohol-containing medications

Conversely, its effect may be reduced by:

• Certain psychiatric medications (chlorpromazine)
• Corticosteroids
• Some asthma medications (IV salbutamol, ritodrine, terbutaline)
• Danazol (used for breast disorders and endometriosis)
• St. John’s Wort

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels, particularly in elderly patients. Dimerol may also increase the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin.

Food & Alcohol Interaction Dimerol can be taken with food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol consumption is discouraged as it may unpredictably affect blood sugar levels.

Driving & Operating Machinery Dimerol can impair concentration and reaction time if blood sugar levels fluctuate, increasing the risk of accidents. Consult a doctor before driving if experiencing frequent hypoglycemia episodes.

Contraindications Avoid Dimerol if you:

• Are allergic to gliclazide or other sulfonylureas
• Have type 1 diabetes
• Have diabetic ketoacidosis or are in a diabetic coma
• Suffer from severe liver or kidney disease
• Are using antifungal medications
• Are breastfeeding

Side Effects Common side effects include:

• Hypoglycemia: Symptoms range from hunger, headache, nausea, and dizziness to severe cases of confusion, convulsions, or coma if untreated.
• Liver Issues: Rare cases of liver dysfunction, jaundice, and, in severe instances, liver failure.
• Skin Reactions: Rash, itching, hives, swelling, or severe allergic reactions.
• Blood Disorders: Reduced platelet, red, and white blood cell counts, leading to bruising, prolonged bleeding, fever, or sore throat.
• Digestive Issues: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, which are minimized when taken with meals.
• Vision Disturbances: Temporary changes in vision due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Seek medical help if any severe reactions occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation Dimerol is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctor before use.

Precautions & Warnings To ensure effective diabetes management:

• Follow your doctor’s prescribed regimen, including diet and exercise.
• Regularly monitor blood sugar and HbA1c levels.
• Be cautious of factors that may cause hypoglycemia, such as skipping meals, malnutrition, alcohol intake, or excessive exercise.
• Carry glucose tablets or sugar cubes to counteract low blood sugar episodes.
• Patients with G6PD deficiency should consult their doctor due to the risk of hemolytic anemia.
• Temporary insulin therapy may be required in stressful situations like surgery or severe infections.

Therapeutic Class Sulfonylureas

Storage Conditions

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store below 30°C.
• Do not use after the expiry date.
• Dispose of unused medicine as per pharmacist guidelines to protect the environment.