Glucotrol (Glipizide)

Description

Glucotrol is a trade name for glipizide, a glucose lowering drug used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

 

Glucotrol is available by physician prescription only.

 

 

 

Drug Information

 

Glucotrol helps to stabilize high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

 

Diabetes mellitus type 2, also sometimes called adult-onset diabetes, is a medical condition caused by blood glucose levels that are significantly higher than normal, and beyond control. The body controls glucose levels in blood with a substance called insulin produced by the pancreas. When the glucose levels in blood exceed the ability of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin, type 2 diabetes occurs. Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can cause serious health issues including impaired vision, amputated limbs and heart complications.

 

The active ingredient in Glucotrol, glipizide, is a sulfonylurea class drug that can increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas. Glipizide can block potassium channels in pancreatic cells, which leads to a series of biological mechanisms that encourage more insulin to be released by the pancreas.

 

Normalizing blood sugar levels can decrease the risk of kidney complications and nerve damage, among others, in patients with type 2 diabetes.

 

Anti-diabetics like Glucotrol do not “cure” diabetes. Glucotrol should be administered in combination with a healthy eating and exercise program for the medical condition to stabilize.

 

Glucotrol is available as oral tablets, both in regular and extended release forms.

 

Dosage

 

Dosage of Glucotrol will vary depending on the severity of the condition, age, response to the treatment and physician’s recommendation.

 

Glucotrol tablets should be swallowed 30 minutes before a meal. The extended release tablet should not be crushed or chewed before swallowing, as this can cause the drug to be absorbed immediately. It’s highly recommended to take Glucotrol the same time each day.

 

Do not take Glucotrol more or less than instructed. Take Glucotrol only exactly as prescribed.

 

Precautions

 

Do not take Glucotrol if allergic to glipizide or any other inactive ingredients in the drug.

 

Do not take Glucotrol if afflicted with diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

Glucotrol may not be safe for patients with the following conditions: liver disease, kidney disease, chronic diarrhea or other intestinal issues, pituitary or adrenal gland hormone disorders, history of heart disease and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) enzyme disorder.

 

Glucotrol may not be safe for use while pregnant, breastfeeding or attempting to get pregnant. Anti-diabetics similar to Glucotrol have caused dangerously low blood sugar levels in newborn babies whose mothers used the drug when pregnant.

 

Oral anti-diabetic medications like Glucotrol may increase the risk for serious heart problems.

 

Glucotrol may worsen the effects of alcohol. Therefore, refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages while taking Glucotrol.

 

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing as Glucotrol can cause photosensitivity.

 

Side Effects

 

One or more the following side effects may occur when taking Glucotrol:

 

 Nausea
 Diarrhea
 Constipation
 Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
 Skin rashes or eczema
 Indigestion and gas
 Sore throat-like symptoms

 

Side effects are not limited to the above. Immediately seek medical care if side effects persist or worsen over time.