Medications and Drugs
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: glipizide
BRAND NAME: Glucotrol
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Glipizide is an oral drug that is used for
treating patients with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the sulfonylurea class of
drugs that includes glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta),
tolbutamide (Orinase) and tolazamide (Tolinase).
Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas that, when released into
the blood causes cells in the body to remove sugar (glucose) from the blood and
reduces the formation of glucose by the liver. Patients with type 2 diabetes
have high glucose (sugar) levels in their blood because the cells in their
bodies are resistant to the effect of the insulin, and the liver produces too
much glucose. In addition, in type 2 diabetes the pancreas is unable to produce
the increased amounts of insulin that are necessary to overcome the resistance.
Glipizide reduces blood glucose by stimulating the pancreas to produce more
insulin. Glipizide is not a cure for diabetes.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Immediate-release tablets; 5mg, 10mg. Extended-release
tablets; 2.5, 5, and 10 mg.
STORAGE: Store below 86°F (30°;C).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Glipizide is used together with diet and exercise to
reduce blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.
DOSING: The usual starting dose when using immediate release tablets
is 5 mg administered 30 minutes before a meal. The maximum dose is 40 mg daily.
Doses higher than 15 mg per day should be divided.
The starting dose when using extended-release tablets is 5 mg daily up to a
maximum dose of 20 mg daily. Patients using immediate release tablets may be
converted to the nearest equivalent extended-release dose.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Alcohol may prolong the action of glipizide by
delaying the absorption and elimination of glipizide. Patients taking glipizide
should keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. Cholestyramine may reduce the
absorption and consequently the effect of glipizide. Therefore, glipizide should
be administered 1-2 hours before cholestyramine is administered. Fluconazole
(Diflucan) may increase the absorption and therefore increase the effect of
glipizide.
Many drugs can potentially increase or decrease glucose levels thus
increasing or decreasing the effect of glipizide. Drug interactions which cause
low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) can occur with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (e.g., ibuprofen), sulfa drugs, warfarin, miconazole, and beta-blockers
(e.g., propranolol). Drug interactions which cause high blood glucose
(hyperglycemia) can occur with thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, thyroid
medicines, estrogens, niacin, phenytoin, and calcium channel blocking drugs
(e.g., diltiazem). Patients should be monitored closely for loss of glucose
control when such drugs are administered.
PREGNANCY: Use of glipizide during pregnancy has not been adequately
studied.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether glipizide is excreted in
breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects include headache, dizziness, diarrhea, and
gas. Skin rashes can occur and cause itching, hives, or a diffuse measles-like
rash. Rare but serious side effects include hepatitis, jaundice, and a low
sodium concentration. Glipizide may also cause hypoglycemia. The risk of
hypoglycemia increases when glipizide is combined with other glucose reducing
agents.
References: Facts and Comparisons. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc
2005, Prescribing Information for Glucotrol, Pfizer Inc. 2000
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 10/20/2005
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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