Gliclazide 60 mg (ER) + Metformin HCl 1000 mg (ER) Tablets: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects & Expert Advice
This combination medicine contains two widely used oral anti-diabetic drugs: Gliclazide (60 mg, extended release) and Metformin Hydrochloride (1000 mg, extended release). It is prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet, exercise, and single-agent therapy do not provide adequate glycemic control. The extended-release formulation allows once-daily dosing and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Gliclazide + Metformin ER Uses
- Improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Reduces fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels
- Helps lower HbA1c (a marker of long-term glucose control)
- Often used when metformin alone or sulfonylurea alone is insufficient
How Gliclazide + Metformin ER Works
Gliclazide belongs to the sulfonylurea class. It stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, especially after meals. Metformin, a biguanide, works by decreasing glucose production in the liver and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. Together, they target different defects in type 2 diabetes: insulin deficiency and insulin resistance. The extended-release formulation ensures a gradual release of the drugs, providing smoother blood sugar control with fewer fluctuations.
Common Side Effects of Gliclazide + Metformin ER
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – more likely if meals are skipped or alcohol is consumed
- Gastrointestinal issues: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort (especially at start of therapy)
- Metallic taste (common with metformin)
- Weight gain (possible with gliclazide)
- Headache, dizziness
Most side effects are temporary and may reduce with continued use. Extended-release formulations often cause fewer stomach issues than immediate-release versions.
Expert Advice for Gliclazide + Metformin ER
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed, usually once daily with the main meal (preferably dinner) to reduce stomach upset and match the drug release with your eating pattern.
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly, especially when starting therapy or changing doses.
- Do not skip meals, as this increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Avoid alcohol – it can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and increase the risk of lactic acidosis (rare but serious with metformin).
- Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, heart failure, or are undergoing surgery or contrast dye procedures – metformin may need to be temporarily stopped.
- Stay consistent with your diet, exercise, and medication schedule for best results.
Jan Aushadhi Price and Availability
Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), Gliclazide 60 mg + Metformin HCl 1000 mg extended-release tablets are available at a highly affordable price. The MRP for a strip of 10 tablets is ₹68.44, making it a cost-effective generic alternative to expensive branded combinations. You can find this medicine at any Jan Aushadhi Kendra across India. Always check the packaging for the Jan Aushadhi logo and verify the composition with your pharmacist.
Safety Note
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of this medicine without consulting your doctor. Diabetes management requires regular monitoring and individualized treatment. Always verify the composition, strength, and suitability of any medicine with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.