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Common uses
This is an anti-diabetic medicine (sulfonylurea-type) used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). It works by stimulating the release of your body's natural insulin. Effectively controlling blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and circulation problems, as well as sexual function problems (impotence).
Before using
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking other diabetes medicines (e.g., insulin, metformin), aspirin or aspirin-like medicines (e.g., salicylates, nsaids such as ibuprofen, phenylbutazone), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole), beta-blockers including glaucoma eye drops (e.g., propranolol, timolol, metoprolol), birth control pills, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem), chloramphenicol, cimetidine, clofibrate, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), diazoxide, diet pills, epinephrine, estrogens, isoniazid, mao inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), niacin, phenothiazines (e.g., promethazine), phenytoin, probenecid, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), rifampin, sulfonamides (e.g., sulfa antibiotics), thyroid medicines, "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), fenugreek, or ginseng.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver, kidney, or thyroid disease; certain hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, siadh-syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone), electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia), high blood pressure, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine by mouth 30 minutes before a meal. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking the medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. Monitor blood glucose levels on a regular basis. Store this medicine in a tightly-closed container at room temperature below 86 degrees f (30 degrees c), away from heat, moisture, and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
It is important that you keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages while using this medicine because they can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia. Rarely, alcohol can interact with glipizide and cause a serious reaction (disulfiram-like reaction) with symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of alcohol. During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medicine may be required.
This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially hypoglycemia.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. Glipizide is not recommended for use for at least 1 month before delivery due to the potential for fetal harm. Insulin may be preferred during pregnancy. Discuss all options with your doctor. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, headache, or weight gain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience persistent sore throat or fever, easy bleeding/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, or seizures.
This medicine can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc). The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you do not have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction.
To prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medicine dosage may need to be increased. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include shakiness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and loss of consciousness.
Additional information
Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this medicine. Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular testing of blood sugar are important for best results when using this medicine. This medicine is not a substitute for them. Be sure to follow the diet plan provided by your doctor. It is recommended that you attend a diabetes education program to better understand diabetes, prevention of complications, and all the important aspects of its treatment. These include meals/diet, exercise, weight loss, personal hygiene, medicines and blood glucose monitoring, and the need for regular eye, foot, and medical exams. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
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