Glucotrol XL (Glipizide)

What is the brand name for this medicine?
Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL

What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is for the oral treatment of type 2 diabetes. Control of this type of diabetes is usually accomplished with a combination of diet, weight management, exercise, oral medications, and possibly insulin injection if all other measures fail.

How is this medicine taken?
This medicine should be taken 30 or 40 minutes before a meal. It is known to cause some stomach upset if taken with food. It is important to maintain a regular eating schedule while taking this medication.

What if I miss a dose?
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

How is this medicine stored?
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep away from heat and light.

Are there side effects?
This medicine might lead to weight gain. Other possible adverse reactions include skin rash, eczema, itching, drowsiness, anxiety, blurred vision, thirst, and edema.

Are there precautions with this medicine?
Before taking this drug talk to your doctor if are allergic to sulfa drugs, have serious problems with liver or kidney function, an infection or high fever or a history of heart-failure, peptic ulcer, cirrhosis of the liver, bone marrow depression, hypothyroidism or porphyria. A possible downside is that if the patient takes the medication and then skips a meal, the result can be dangerously low blood sugar, so it is important to maintain a regular eating schedule if taking this medication.

What about interactions with other drugs?
Interactions with other drugs include the following; when glipizide is given with anticoagulants, the hypoglycemic effect of glipizide may be increased and beta blockers and calcium channel blockers may decrease the effect of glipizide; and oral contraceptives and estrogens may also decrease the effect of glipizide.

Can I take this medicine if I’m pregnant or breast-feeding?
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. During pregnancy blood sugar levels are uncontrollable and are associated with birth defects and many doctors recommend insulin to be used during pregnancy. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

General Information:
Possible nutrient depletions associated with the use of glipizide include Coenzyme Q10, considered essential for healthy cardiac function.
For additional information, contact your doctor or pharmacist with your specific concerns.