Glipizide (
Glucotrol®) is a prescription medication 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 medication in the blood.
Brand-name glipizide (Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL) is made by Pfizer, Inc. Generic versions are made by several manufacturers.
Glipizide is part of a group of
diabetes medications called sulfonylureas. Sulfonylureas help the
pancreas make more insulin. They also help the cells respond better to insulin. This helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
General considerations for when and how to take glipizide include the following:
- The medication 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. The extended-release form is taken just once a day with breakfast.
- Swallow the extended-release 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 in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Glipizide will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of glipizide your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your diabetes is controlled
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Glipizide
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with glipizide. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Based on studies of the extended-release version, the most common side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Nervousness
- Tremor or shakiness
- Gas.
(Click Side Effects of Glipizide to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about other possible side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking glipizide if you have:
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Adrenal insufficiency or adrenal fatigue
- Pituitary gland problems
- Narrowing or strictures in the digestive tract
- Any allergies, including allergies to sulfa drugs, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Alternatives to Glipizide
In general, treatment for
type 2 diabetes begins with lifestyle changes (for example, weight loss, exercise, and diet). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in
managing diabetes, medication such as glipizide may be necessary.
The main goal of
diabetes medicine is to lower blood sugar levels enough to reduce your risk of developing problems related to diabetes, such as heart, nerve, eye, or kidney problems. Because glipizide can lower blood sugar levels, people may be able to lower their risk for developing problems related to high blood sugar by taking it.
The medication is usually quite effective at controlling blood sugar. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, you may need to combine glipizide with another diabetes medicine, such as
metformin (
Glucophage®) or
insulin. You may also wish to consider a substitute. These could include other sulfonylureas or other
diabetes drugs, either by themselves or in combination.
To learn about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices, click any of the following links:
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much glipizide may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (see Glipizide and Blood Sugar)
- Fainting
- Shakiness
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Confusion
- Sweating.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Glipizide Be Stored?
Glipizide should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your glipizide as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Regular tablets are available in two strengths:
- Glipizide 5 mg
- Glipizide 10 mg.
Extended-release tablets are available in three strengths:
- Glipizide extended-release 2.5 mg
- Glipizide extended-release 5 mg
- Glipizide extended-release 10 mg.
Generic versions of both regular and extended-release glipizide are currently available
(see Generic Glipizide for more information).
