Glucotrol

Generic Name:.Glipizide

US Brand Name: Glucotrol

Other Brand/Trade Names: Glucotrol XL

Uses

Glucotrol is used to treat noninsulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) along with diet, exercise, and insulin therapy, if necessary.

Active Ingredients: Glipizide

Inactive Ingredients: polyethylene oxide, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, sodium chloride, red ferric oxide, cellulose acetate, polyethylene glycol

Dosage and Forms

Glipizide tablets for oral use are available in 5 and 10 mg strengths. Glipizide is usually taken before breakfast if it is taken once a day or before meals if it is taken multiple times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Do not change your dose without first talking to your doctor. Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with blood or urine tests. Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a Generic Glucotrol overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma.

Contraindications and Precautions

Before taking Glipizide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies..This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis). Before using Glipizide, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, certain hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, SIADH-syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone), electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia).

Side Effects

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever, easy bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual or sudden weight gain, mental/mood changes, swelling of the hands or feet, seizures.

Glipizide can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Interactions

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.