Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet 15s (strip)

Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet is a prescription-only oral antidiabetic medicine that belongs to the second-generation sulphonylurea class of hypoglycaemic drugs, developed and marketed by Les Laboratoires Servier and its Malaysian affiliate Servier Malaysia, registered with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) Malaysia, with Gliclazide as its active ingredient at 60mg per tablet in a uniquely engineered modified-release (MR) formulation that progressively releases the active compound over 24 hours to deliver consistent blood glucose management throughout the day with a single morning dose. What distinguishes Diamicron MR 60mg from earlier sulphonylureas is not just its modified-release technology but also Gliclazide's documented haemovascular properties — including effects on platelet aggregation and vascular endothelial fibrinolytic activity — which have been studied as potentially beneficial characteristics in the context of long-term metabolic disease management. Like all sulphonylurea antidiabetic medicines, Diamicron MR 60mg can cause side effects, and the most clinically significant one to be aware of is hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) — which can cause symptoms including shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness — alongside gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhoea, and rare but serious skin or haematological reactions. Before you purchase this tablet, there are essential things you should know: Diamicron MR 60mg is a prescription-only medicine in Malaysia and requires a valid doctor's prescription; it must always be taken with breakfast and you must never skip meals while on this medicine; it must not be combined with miconazole antifungal treatment; and diabetes management is a lifelong commitment requiring regular blood glucose monitoring, dietary discipline, and consistent physical activity alongside your prescribed medication.

How to Take Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet

Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet is taken orally once daily — always with breakfast, or immediately after your first meal of the day; taking it with food is not just advisable but clinically important for this medicine, as it helps reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) by synchronising the onset of Gliclazide's blood glucose-lowering action with the carbohydrate absorption from your meal. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water — it must not be chewed or crushed, as this would destroy the modified-release matrix and release the full 60mg dose immediately rather than gradually, potentially causing dangerous hypoglycaemia. Importantly, the Diamicron MR 60mg tablet is specifically designed with a score line to allow halving — half a tablet (30mg) is the recommended starting dose for most patients and can be broken cleanly; however, the half tablet must still be swallowed without chewing or crushing.

Dosage of Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet

The recommended starting dose is 30mg (half a tablet of Diamicron MR 60mg) once daily taken with breakfast, which may be progressively increased in steps to 60mg, 90mg, or a maximum of 120mg (2 tablets) per day — each dose increment should be separated by at least one month to allow adequate assessment of blood glucose response, except where glucose control remains inadequate after two weeks, in which case the dose may be increased at that point. All dose adjustments must be made by the prescribing doctor based on blood glucose levels and HbA1c results; never adjust your own dose independently, and never exceed 120mg (2 tablets) per day.

Shelf Life of Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet

Shelf Life: As printed on the outer carton and individual blister strip — always check the expiry date before use; do not use after the stated date
Pack Sizes Available in Malaysia: 15-tablet blister strips (15s) and 60-tablet packs (60s) — both confirmed available in the Malaysian retail and online pharmacy market
Tablet Design: Modified-release tablet with a score line allowing the tablet to be halved — this is a distinctive and clinically functional design feature unique to Diamicron MR 60mg
Brand Owner & Developer: Les Laboratoires Servier (France) / Servier Malaysia — originator brand, developed by Servier Research International
Regulatory Status: Registered with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health Malaysia — verifiable at npra.gov.my
The expiry date for Diamicron MR 60mg is clearly printed on both the outer packaging and the individual blister strip — always check and confirm this before taking any tablet. Do not use this medicine after its expiry date as the chemical integrity and modified-release matrix performance of Gliclazide cannot be guaranteed beyond the manufacturer's stated shelf life. Return any expired or surplus tablets to a licensed pharmacy for safe, responsible pharmaceutical disposal.

How to Store Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet

• Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place — the standard recommended storage temperature for Diamicron MR in Malaysia
• Protect from direct sunlight and heat sources — do not store on windowsills, near stovetops, or in sun-facing areas of the home
• Keep away from moisture and humidity — do not store in a bathroom medicine cabinet or near a kitchen sink
• Do not refrigerate or freeze the tablets unless the product label explicitly instructs this
• Keep tablets in the original blister packaging within the outer carton — the blister packaging protects the modified-release matrix from moisture and physical damage, and the carton retains all essential product labelling
• For the 60-tablet pack, ensure the box is properly reclosed after each tablet is removed to maintain the integrity of the remaining tablets
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children at all times — even one sulphonylurea tablet can cause dangerous hypoglycaemia in a child
• Do not transfer tablets into an unlabelled container — antidiabetic medicines must remain clearly identified at all times to prevent accidental misuse
• Store in a consistent environment; avoid locations where temperature fluctuates significantly, such as vehicles or near air-conditioning vents

Active Ingredient of Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet

Active Ingredient: Gliclazide 60mg per modified-release tablet
Formulation Type: Modified Release (MR) — Hydrophilic matrix tablet; plasma levels increase progressively during the first 6 hours, reaching a plateau maintained from the 6th to 12th hour, enabling 24-hour glucose management from a single daily dose
Drug Class: Second-Generation Sulphonylurea — Oral Antidiabetic / Hypoglycaemic Agent
ATC Code: A10BB09
Empirical Formula: C₁₅H₂₁N₃O₃S (Molecular Weight: 323.41 g/mol)
Plasma Half-Life: Approximately 12 to 20 hours — enabling reliable once-daily dosing
Protein Binding: Approximately 95% — primarily to albumin
Volume of Distribution: Approximately 30 litres
Bioavailability: Gliclazide is completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; food intake does not affect the rate or degree of absorption of the modified-release formulation
Haemovascular Properties: Gliclazide decreases microthrombosis by partial inhibition of platelet aggregation and adhesion (reducing markers of platelet activation including beta-thromboglobulin and thromboxane B2) and by increasing vascular endothelial fibrinolytic activity (tPA activity) — properties that distinguish it from earlier sulphonylureas
Brand Developer: Les Laboratoires Servier / Servier Malaysia
Complete Excipient List (60mg tablet): Anhydrous colloidal silica, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maltodextrin — the tablets are gluten-free
Lactose Note: Each Diamicron MR 60mg tablet contains lactose monohydrate — patients with known hereditary galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine

Side Effects of Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet

Side effects may occur with Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet. The following have been documented in MIMS Malaysia prescribing information, the Servier-approved product monograph (Health Canada), the Australian TGA CMI, and published clinical literature for Gliclazide MR:

Common Side Effects:
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) — symptoms include weakness, trembling, sweating, dizziness, confusion, headache, hunger, tingling around lips/tongue
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia
• Diarrhoea or constipation

Less Common Side Effects:
• Skin reactions — rash, pruritus, urticaria, erythema
• Bullous skin reactions — including erythema multiforme and exfoliative dermatitis
• Transient visual disturbances
• Elevated liver enzyme levels on blood tests
• Hepatitis — rare
• Cholestatic jaundice — rare
• Haemolytic anaemia — rare
• Pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia — rare
• Hyponatraemia — rare
• Dysglycaemia — especially with fluoroquinolone antibiotics

Serious — Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
• Severe hypoglycaemia
• Severe allergic reactions
• Severe liver failure

Contraindications of Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet

Do not use in: hypersensitivity to Gliclazide or sulphonylureas, Type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic pre-coma/coma, concurrent miconazole use, severe hepatic/renal insufficiency, pregnancy, breastfeeding, children under 18. Use with caution in elderly, malnourished, adrenal/pituitary/hypothyroid patients, G6PD deficiency, porphyria, post-surgery or severe illness.

Drug & Food Interaction of Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet

Drug Interactions — Contraindicated:
• Miconazole (any form) — increases Gliclazide plasma levels; dangerous hypoglycaemia risk.

Other Significant Drug Interactions:
• CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole, amiodarone) — may increase Gliclazide levels
• CYP2C9 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine) — may decrease Gliclazide levels
• Beta-blockers, clonidine, reserpine, MAO inhibitors — may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms
• Other antidiabetic drugs — combination therapy may increase hypoglycaemia risk

Food & Alcohol Interactions:
• Alcohol — increases risk of hypoglycaemia and unpredictable glucose changes
• Consistent meal timing recommended — avoid skipping meals while taking Diamicron MR

Quick Tips for Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet

• Take with breakfast; never skip meals
• Swallow whole; do not crush or chew
• Monitor blood glucose regularly
• Carry fast-acting sugar for hypoglycaemia
• Inform family/colleagues about hypoglycaemia risk
• Store below 30°C, away from moisture, heat, and children
• Do not combine with miconazole or other contraindicated drugs
• Always follow your doctor’s instructions for dose adjustments

FAQs of Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet

Q: Can I buy Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet online in Malaysia?
Yes, Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet is available to purchase through our licensed online pharmacy in Malaysia. A valid prescription from an MMC-registered doctor is required.

Q: Is Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet safe for long-term use?
Yes, when taken as prescribed and monitored regularly by your doctor.

Q: Can I split Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet?
Yes, it has a score line; swallow each half whole.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember; skip if almost time for the next dose.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet?
Alcohol can increase hypoglycaemia risk; limit intake and consult your doctor.

Q: Can Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet be taken with other antidiabetic medicines?
Yes, only under doctor supervision; dose adjustments may be needed.

Q: Can I take Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet if I have kidney or liver problems?
Use with caution; severe impairment is contraindicated; doctor may monitor dose closely.

Q: Can pregnant or breastfeeding women take Diamicron MR 60mg Tablet?
No, it is contraindicated; insulin is preferred.