Glucotrol

The active ingredient in Glucotrol is glipizide, which is a sulfonylurea. Its mechanism of action involves reducing blood sugar by instructing your pancreas to release more insulin. This increased release from pancreatic beta cells may also decrease the rate of hepatic (liver) glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Glucotrol. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Glucotrol:

• Glucotrol tablets should be taken 30 minutes before your first meal of the day.
• Glucotrol XL extended-release tablets should be taken with your first meal of the day. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• Your blood sugar will need to be tested frequently, and you may require further blood tests at your doctor's office.
• You should talk with your doctor about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and other diabetes-related problems.
• When you take Glucotrol XL, you may notice something in your stool that resembles a pill. This is the tablet's empty shell. It is typical for the empty shell to transit through your bowels after the medicine has been absorbed by your body.

The most common side effects of Glucotrol seen in clinical trials include:

• Nervousness.
• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Low blood sugar levels.
• Excessive gas.
• Constipation.
• Heartburn.
• Skin rash.
• Vomiting.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Glucotrol. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels): hunger, rapid heartbeat, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, tingling, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, confusion, and coma.
• Allergic reaction: hives, shortness of breath, and swelling of your face, tongue, and throat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Glucotrol. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Glucotrol, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Liver disease or kidney disease.
• Chronic diarrhea
• Intestinal blockage.
• A deficit of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), as this may cause hemolytic anemia.
• A pituitary or adrenal gland dysfunction
• A history of heart disease
• Malnutrition.

If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional since Glucotrol is not safe for you to consume.

• Allergy to sulfonamide medicines.
• Type 1 diabetes.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis.

Glucotrol can begin to decrease your blood sugar levels within 30 minutes after taking your dose. This is why it is critical to take the medication before eating or with a meal to keep your blood sugar levels from going too low.

When Glucotrol is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Colesevelam.
• Fluconazole.
• Miconazole.
• Chloramphenicol.
• Isoniazid.
• Phenytoin.

Glucotrol immediate-release tablets:

The typical starting dosage form is a 5 mg glipizide tablet taken orally before breakfast. If necessary, your provider will increase your dosage every few days. If your total daily intake exceeds 15 mg, your doctor will prescribe it in divided doses, taken twice daily. The highest suggested daily dose is 40 mg total.

Glipizide (Glucotrol XL) extended release:

The typical starting dose is 5 milligrams taken orally before breakfast. If necessary, your provider will increase your dosage every few days. The highest recommended dosage is 20 mg once daily.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but only when you are about to eat a meal. If you miss a meal, skip that next dose and wait until the next one. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Your dose might be lower if you're a geriatric or elderly patient, have liver problems, or are taking other diabetes medicines.

Store your Glucotrol at room temperature and out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Glucotrol is Pfizer.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Glucotrol.

Stopping Glucotrol abruptly may result in high blood sugar and worsening symptoms. If the drug does not appear to be working or you are experiencing bothersome side effects, consult your doctor about a treatment plan that is safe for you.

Glucotrol is not the first choice medicine for lowering blood sugar levels during pregnancy. While Glucotrol is not known to cause serious birth abnormalities, it can be passed from mother to baby, resulting in low blood sugar levels in the baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, speak with your doctor about safe ways to control your blood sugar.

It is not known if Glucotrol passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking Glucotrol during lactation.