This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Glucotrol Consumer Information
GLUCOTROL
Generic Name: glipizide (GLIP ih zide)
Brand Names: Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL
What is the most important information I should know about glipizide?
- Treatment with glipizide may increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to treatment of diabetes with diet alone or diet plus insulin. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of treatment with glipizide.
- Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
- Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of them can affect blood sugar levels.
- Do not change your dose of glipizide without first talking to your doctor.
- Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with diabetes treatment.
- The Glucotrol XL Extended Release Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush the tablets.
What is glipizide?
- Glipizide is in a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It is used to help control blood sugar levels.
- Glipizide is used to treat noninsulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) along with diet, exercise, and insulin therapy, if necessary.
- Glipizide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glipizide?
- Before taking glipizide, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
- have thyroid disease;
- have Type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent diabetes);
- have a serious infection, illness, or injury; or
- need surgery.
- You may not be able to take glipizide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Glipizide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether glipizide will be harmful to an unborn baby. Insulin is usually the drug of choice to control diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take glipizide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether glipizide passes into breast milk. Do not take glipizide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take glipizide?
- Take glipizide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Glipizide is usually taken before breakfast if it is taken once a day, or before meals if it is taken multiple times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- The Glucotrol XL Extended Release Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush the tablets.
- Do not be concerned if something that looks like a tablet occasionally appears in the stool. With the Glucotrol XL Extended Release Tablets, the medication is contained in a non-absorbable shell that has been specially designed to slowly release the drug so the body can absorb it. When this process is completed, the empty tablet is eliminated from the body.
- It is important to take glipizide regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not change your dose of glipizide without first talking to your doctor.
- Your doctor may want you to monitor your blood sugar levels, have blood tests, or have other medical evaluations during treatment with glipizide to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store glipizide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a glipizide overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma.
What should I avoid while taking glipizide?
- Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of these things can effect blood sugar levels.
- Avoid alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before you undergo any surgery.
- Do not take any over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, pain, or weight loss medications without first talking to your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.