Glipizide (By Mouth)

Glipizide (GLIP-i-zide)

Helps to control blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Glucotrol XL, Glucotrol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to glipizide or if you have metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take the regular tablet about 30 minutes before eating a meal. It best to take the extended-release tablet with breakfast, unless your doctor tells you to take it at a different time. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew them.
• While using the extended-release form of this medicine, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that may interact with this medicine. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using, especially Tagamet®, Compazine®, Coumadin®, Dilantin®, isoniazid, niacin, estrogens, birth control pills, thyroid medicine, diuretics or "water pills," heart or blood pressure medicine, medicine for yeast infections, steroids such as prednisone, or any cold or allergy medicines. Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows about all other treatments you are using for diabetes, including insulin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart problems, digestive problems, kidney disease, liver disease, or problems with your adrenal or pituitary gland.
• This medicine may not work as well if you have surgery, get hurt, or get sick. If you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, call your doctor for instructions.
• You may develop low blood sugar while you are using this medicine. You may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may have trouble seeing or have a headache that won't go away. Ask your doctor what you should do if this happens.
• Tell your doctor if you start having trouble controlling your blood sugar after you have been using this medicine for awhile.
• Other medicines used to treat diabetes have been known to increase the risk of heart problems. It is not known if glipizide increases your risk. Ask your doctor if you have questions about this.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine is only part of a complete program for controlling diabetes. You can also help yourself by eating a healthy diet, watching your weight, and getting regular exercise.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Seizures, fainting
• Severe or sudden stomach pain, or bloody or black, tarry stools
• Skin rash, hives, or itching
• Your skin or eyes turn yellow

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach pain
• Shaking or nervousness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.