*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

How And When To Take Gliclazide

NHS medicines information on dosage for gliclazide, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.

Gliclazide comes as standard tablets and slow-release tablets.

Standard tablets release gliclazide into your body quickly, so you may need to take them several times a day depending on your dose.

Slow-release tablets release gliclazide into your body slowly, which means you do not have to take them as often. One dose in the morning is usually enough.

Dosage and strength

Doses of gliclazide can vary. Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor.

The maximum daily dose for standard gliclazide is 320mg. If you need to take more than 160mg a day, it should be divided into 2 equal doses.

For slow-release gliclazide, the maximum daily dose is 120mg.

Changes to your dose

Your doctor will check your blood sugar levels regularly and may change your dose of gliclazide if necessary.

How to take it

Swallow your gliclazide tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.

If you are taking 2 doses a day, take 1 dose with your breakfast and 1 dose with your evening meal.

If you are taking slow-release gliclazide, take your dose once a day with breakfast.

How long to take it for

Treatment for diabetes is usually for life. Do not stop taking your gliclazide tablets without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking gliclazide suddenly, your diabetes may get worse.

Gliclazide is safe to take for a long time. There's no evidence it harms your pancreas or your general health. However, it may stop working properly after a while, so your doctor may want to stop it or add a different medicine to help keep your blood sugar level stable.

If you forget to take it

If you miss a dose of gliclazide, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Contact 111 for advice now if:

you take more than your prescribed dose of gliclazide - an overdose of gliclazide can cause low blood sugar

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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