Glipizide is used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by helping the pancreas make more insulin. The medication comes in tablet form, and is typically taken once or twice a day. Your dosage will depend on how well your diabetes is controlled, other medical conditions you may have, and other medications you are taking. Potential side effects of glipizide include dizziness, diarrhea, and nervousness.
Glipizide (
Glucotrol®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat
type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent
diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). Glipizide extended-release tablets (Glucotrol XL
®) are also available. These tablets release the medication slowly, providing a more even level of glipizide in the blood.
Brand-name glipizide (Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL) is made by Pfizer, Inc.
Generic glipizide is made by several manufacturers.
Glipizide is part of a group of diabetes medications called sulfonylureas. A sulfonylurea, such as glipizide, helps the
pancreas make more insulin. It also helps the cells respond better to insulin. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
When and How to Take Glipizide
General considerations for when and how to take glipizide include the following:
- Glipizide comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth.
- Regular glipizide is usually taken once or twice daily. It works best if taken 30 minutes before breakfast. Extended-release glipizide is taken just once a day with breakfast.
- Swallow extended-release glipizide tablets whole (do not crush, chew, or break them).
- Glipizide should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Glipizide will not work if you stop taking it.
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