Glucotrol
Generic Name: Glipizide
What is Glucotrol?
Glucotrol is used along with diet and exercise to help lower high blood sugar in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Glucotrol also comes in an extended-release form called Glucotrol XL, which allows the medicine to be released slowly in your body over 24 hours. They belong to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas.What is the most important information I should know about Glucotrol?
Treatment with sulfonylureas may increase the risk of death from heart and blood vessel problems compared to treatment of diabetes with diet alone or diet plus insulin. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of treatment with Glucotrol.Low blood sugar may occur. The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, eat or drink something with sugar in it right away. If you do not feel better or if your blood sugar does not go up, call your doctor immediately.
Follow diet, medication, and exercise routines closely. Changing any of them can affect blood sugar levels. Blood levels should be assessed regularly.
Who should not take Glucotrol?
Do not take Glucotrol if you are sensitive to the drug or any of its components, or have type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent).What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Glucotrol?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Glucotrol. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have ever had diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, pain below the breast bone, and fruity breath); a history of kidney or liver disease; thyroid disease; chronic (continuing) diarrhea; or type 1 diabetes; a serious infection, illness, or injury; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (lack of an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of red blood cells); need surgery; or have narrowing of the stomach or intestines.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Glucotrol
Adults: The usual starting dose is 5 milligrams (mg) taken before breakfast. Depending upon your blood sugar response, your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
Elderly or liver impaired: The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg.
Glucotrol XL
Adults: The usual starting dose is 5 mg each day at breakfast. After 3 months, your doctor may increase your dose to 10 mg daily.
Elderly or liver impaired: The usual starting dose is 5 mg.
How should I take Glucotrol?
Take Glucotrol exactly as prescribed. To achieve the best control of blood sugar levels, Glucotrol should be taken 30 minutes before a meal. However, the exact dosing schedule, as well as the dosage amount, must be determined by your doctor.Glucotrol XL should be taken with breakfast. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or divide them. Do not be alarmed if you notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool; it is only the empty shell that has been eliminated.
What should I avoid while taking Glucotrol?
Avoid alcohol, as it can interfere with your blood sugar levels and your diabetes treatment.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Glucotrol?
If Glucotrol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Glucotrol with the following: alcohol, aspirin, beta-blockers (such as atenolol and metoprolol), calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil), chloramphenicol, cimetidine, clofibrate, corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone and prednisone), diuretics (water pills such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide), epinephrine, estrogens, fluconazole, gemfibrozil, isoniazid, miconazole, monamine oxidase inhibitors (such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine), nicotinic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), norepinephrine, birth control pills, phenothiazines, phenytoin, probenecid, pseudoephedrine, rifampin, sulfa drugs (such as sulfamethoxazole), thyroid drugs, or warfarin.What are the possible side effects of Glucotrol?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: low blood sugar, weakness, dizziness, nervousness, tremor, diarrhea
Can I receive Glucotrol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Glucotrol during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Glucotrol?
If you miss a dose of Glucotrol, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Glucotrol?
Store at room temperature.
