Glycon MR Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Gliclazide is a sulfonylurea antidiabetic agent. Gliclazide stimulates insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells. It reduces insulin uptake and glucose output by the liver. Insulin sensitivity is increased at peripheral target sites. Gliclazide reduces microthrombosis by decreasing platelet aggregation and adhesion, and by restoring fibrinolysis with an increase in tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity.
Pharmacokinetics: Gliclazide completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The oral bioavailability of the drug is reported 97%. Peak plasma concentrations occur 6 hours. It is extensively 94 to 95% bound to plasma proteins and has duration of action of 24 hours. The volume of distribution is 20 to 40% of body weight. The half-life is about 16 hours (range 12-20 hours). Gliclazide is extensively metabolized in the liver to metabolites that have no significant hypoglycemic activity. Metabolites and a small amount of unchanged drug are excreted in the urine. Less than 1% unchanged Gliclazide is found in the urine.