GLICLAZIDE

Question 1

Drug class

Answer 1

sulphonylureas

Question 2

How does it work?

Answer 2

1. lower blood glucose

2. stimulating pancreatic beta cell membranes to produce insulin

Question 3

How do sulphonylureas stimulate the pancreatic beta cell membranes to produce insulin? (5)

Answer 3

1. block ATP dependent K+ channels in the pancreatic beta cell membrane
2. this causes depolarisation of the cell membrane
3. the Ca2+ voltage gated channels open as a consequence
4. intracellular Ca2+ increases
5. this stimulates insulin secretion

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

1. type 2 diabetes

Question 5

Contra-indications (3)

Answer 5

1. hepatic impairment
2. renal impairment
3. people with an increased risk of hypoglycaemia

Question 6

Side effects (2)

Answer 6

1. GI upset

2. hypoglycaemia

Question 7

Interactions (2)

Answer 7

1. other anti-diabetic drugs
2. drugs that increase glucose
   e. g. prednisolone, thiazides, loop diuretics

• reduces the efficacy of gliclazide

Question 8

Elimination (2)

Answer 8

1. urine

2. faeces