Glitab Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology: Gliclazide is a second generation sulfonylurea which acts as a hypoglycemic agent. It stimulates beta cells of the islet of Langerhans in the pancreas to release insulin. It also enhances peripheral insulin sensitivity. Overall it potentiates insulin release and improves insulin dynamics. For the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of Action: Gliclazide binds to the β cell sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1). This binding subsequently blocks the ATP sensitive potassium channels. The binding results in closure of the channels and leads to a resulting decrease in potassium efflux leads to depolarization of the β cells. This opens voltage-dependent calcium channels in the β cell resulting in calmodulin activation, which in turn leads to exocytosis of insulin containing secretory granules.
Pharmacokinetics: Gliclazide is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is extensively bound to plasma proteins. The half-life is about 10 to 12 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.