- GLIPASE (Glucotrol, glipizide)
Description
Treats diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Belongs to a class of drugs called
sulfonylureas.
Brand Name(s)
Glucotrol®
When you should not use this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to glipizide or
other sulfonylurea drugs such as Orinase®, Diabinese®, or Diabeta®.
How to use and store this medicine
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often. Store at room temperature, away
from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Tablets:
- Take on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals.
Extended-Release Tablets:
- Swallow tablets whole; do not break, crush, or chew.
- Should be taken every morning with breakfast.
- You may notice something that looks like a tablet in your
stool. This is the leftover tablet after your body has absorbed the medicine. This is
normal and is nothing to worry about.
If you miss a dose:
- Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
- Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next
regular dose.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to use this medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
- While using this medicine, avoid taking aspirin or cough and
cold medicines.
- This medicine may interact with other medicines. Before you
start taking glipizide, make sure your doctor knows of all other medicines you are taking.
Warnings
- Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are
pregnant or breastfeeding.
- To control your diabetes, follow the diet and exercise plan
that your doctor orders and take this medicine on a regular schedule.
- You may have low blood sugar while you are taking glipizide,
especially if you miss a meal, exercise for a long time, drink alcohol, or are taking
other medicines to control your blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating,
feeling very hungry, fast heartbeat, drowsiness, confusion, headache that won't go away,
chills, or vomiting.
- Ask your doctor what you should do if you have low blood
sugar. You will need to control it quickly.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- Dark urine
- Itching of skin
- Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
If you have problems with these less serious side effects,
tell your doctor.
- Mild nausea, constipation or diarrhea
- Headache
- Sensitivity of skin to sunlight
- Skin rash
- Stomach pain or upset
