DRUG INDEX
GENERIC NAME: glipizide BRAND NAME: Glucotrol
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Glipizide is an oral glucose-lowering drug in a class of medications for diabetes called sulfonylureas. Glipizide lowers the sugar level in the blood by stimulating the release of by the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone which lowers the blood sugar level.
Approximately 90% of patients with diabetes has type II or non- insulin dependent diabetes mellitus . Type II diabetes usually occurs in adulthood and is associated with obesity and a strong family history of diabetes. The inability to control the blood sugar ( glucose ) is caused by impaired insulin release by the pancreas and resistance to insulin by cells.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Immediate-release tablets: yes; Sustained-release tablets: no
PREPARATIONS: Immediate-release tablets; 5mg, 10mg. Sustained-release tablets (Glucotrol XL): 5mg, 10mg.
STORAGE: Glipizide should be stored at room temperature in a tight container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Glipizide is used in type II diabetes to help lower and control blood sugars that are not controlled by diet alone. It is believed that strict sugar control in diabetics decreases the chances of eye, kidney, and nerve damage. Oral sulfonylureas are used in type II diabetics if a strict diabetic diet is not effective at controlling the sugar level in blood. They also are tried before insulin is tried.
DOSING: Glipizide may be taken with or without food but is usually recommended with breakfast. Since glipizide is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, dosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver or kidney dysfunction.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: All sulfonylureas can cause low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ). Therefore, glipizide must be used cautiously in patients who have other potential reasons for having low blood sugars such as patients with kidney or liver problems, poor food intake, using alcohol or participating in heavy exercise, as well as in patients taking other glucose-lowering drugs. Drug interactions causing hypoglycemia can occur with nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (for example, ibuprofen ), sulfa drugs, coumadin, miconazole , fluconazole , and beta-blocking drugs. High glucose reactions (hyperglycemia) can occur with thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, thyroid medicines, estrogens , niacin, dilantin, and calcium channel blocking drugs.
PREGNANCY: Glipizide should not be used in pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Glipizide should not be used by breast-feeding mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Minor side effects include headache, dizziness , diarrhea , and gas. Skin rashes can occur and cause itching, hives , or a diffuse measles-like rash. Rare but serious side effects include hepatitis, jaundice , and a low sodium concentration.
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