Drug interactions
Cimetidine + Gliclazide
Severity: Moderate
Cimetidine and Gliclazide: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Cimetidine inhibits several CYP enzymes and may raise sulfonylurea concentrations, which can strengthen the glucose-lowering effect of gliclazide. Hypoglycemia is the clinical concern, though the effect is generally modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cimetidine and Gliclazide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Cimetidine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Gliclazide belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Inhibition of hepatic CYP-mediated metabolism by cimetidine reduces gliclazide clearance.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose when cimetidine is started or stopped. Consider a lower gliclazide dose, or use famotidine as an alternative acid suppressant.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Gliclazide
Other interactions of Cimetidine
- Cimetidine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Cimetidine + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cimetidine Major
- Atazanavir + Cimetidine Major
- Carmustine + Cimetidine Major
- Cimetidine + Citalopram Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cimetidine with Gliclazide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cimetidine and Gliclazide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Cimetidine inhibits several CYP enzymes and may raise sulfonylurea concentrations, which can strengthen the glucose-lowering effect of gliclazide. Hypoglycemia is the clinical concern, though the effect is generally modest.
How serious is the interaction between Cimetidine and Gliclazide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose when cimetidine is started or stopped. Consider a lower gliclazide dose, or use famotidine as an alternative acid suppressant.
What other medicines interact with Gliclazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gliclazide with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Gliclazide page.
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