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Glucotrol (glipizide) is a second-generation sulfonyurea anti-diabetic medication. It works by facilitating the release of insulin in the pancreas when normal, natural production is insufficient.

Glucotrol offers several conveniences that most patients will appreciate:

• Administered orally by tablet; no injections
• May reduce or eliminate the need for injected insulin
• Many patients find once-per-day dosing sufficient
• Compact and discreet, easy to carry and administer
• Serious side effects are rare
• Less costly than many other diabetic medications

Note that, while many diabetics are able to manage the condition with Glucotrol alone, others will need to supplement treatment with other medications. Patients who are already taking other diabetic medications will need to discuss transitioning to Glucotrol with a doctor; this should be done gradually while monitoring response to treatment.

A Simple & Effective Treatment

Glucotrol is typically taken long-term, with or without other anti-diabetic medications. Effects are usually noticeable within days of starting treatment, but it may take several weeks to see maximum benefit.

The medication is administered via tablet, about 30 minutes prior to a meal. For many patients a single dose before breakfast is all it takes, but this will vary to some extent depending on personal variables such as age, weight, other conditions present and other medications being taken:

• Treatment starts with 5 mg taken 30 minutes prior to the first meal of the day. Blood glucose should be monitored closely for several days.
• As the medication's impact on blood glucose becomes clear over several days of monitoring, dosage may be increased in 2.5 to 5 mg increments if needed.
• If dosage increases past 15 mg, it should be divided into two smaller doses taken 30 minutes before the first and last meals of the day.
• Do not exceed 40 mg in one day without explicit doctor instruction.

Some individuals, even if taking 15 mg or less, find that dividing a single dose into two smaller doses is more effective. When the total daily dose is 30 to 40 mg, it can be divided into three smaller doses if desired. Tablets should always be taken about 30 minutes prior to a meal.

Used in conjunction with diet and exercise, Glucotrol may be sufficient to reduce or even eliminate the need for supplementary injectable insulin in Type II diabetics. However, normal doses of injected insulin should be maintained when treatment with Glucotrol begins, and resulting blood glucose levels monitored over time. Insulin doses should not be adjusted until Glucotrol's effects are well established. Abruptly ending treatment of other medications that influence insulin levels or pancreatic function can result in dangerous complications, particularly without diligent monitoring, and patients are strongly encouraged to involve a physician in this process.

Precautions & Side Effects

The purpose of Glucotrol is to lower blood glucose. Lowering blood glucose from a high to normal level can temporarily cause low blood sugar symptoms. Since there is a chance, particularly if other diabetic medications are being taken, that blood glucose could become too low, frequent monitoring of levels is strongly advised.

Glucotrol is a remarkably safe medication when used as directed. The most common side effects associated with it are typically very mild and usually stop occurring as the body adjusts to treatment:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Rash

The above symptoms are not cause for concern unless severe. Some patients find dividing doses into smaller, multiple doses eliminate side effects.

Unfortunately not everyone is a good candidate for Glucotrol. Patients with certain other medical conditions are at increased risk of experiencing serious complications, particularly those with any history of:

• Kidney or liver damage
• Intestinal blockage
• Chronic diarrhea
• Heart disease
• Difficulty getting adequate nutrition
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• Alcoholism

While taking Glucotrol, consult a doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or are trying to conceive. The effect of Glucotrol on unborn children is unknown.
• Experience unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Develop shortness of breath or experience abnormal heartbeats.
• Experience symptoms of liver or kidney impairment, such as itching, yellow eyes, grey stools, pain just below the rib cage, or abdominal pain that radiates to the back.

These are not all the possible complications of Glucotrol use. The insert included with this product will provide a more comprehensive list.

Glucotrol is not a substitute for insulin in Type I diabetics.