Glipizide is the non-proprietary name for an anti-diabetic medication used to increase insulin production in type 2 diabetes when natural insulin secretion is impaired. The medication is sometimes sufficient on its own, but it's also common for it to be used in combination with other anti-diabetic treatments.

Though other diabetes medications are often given along with Glipizide, be aware that interactions can occur. Patients should always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before introducing new medications.

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

This product is intended for patients age 18 and up.

Benefits of Glipizide

Glipizide is a long-term treatment, typically taken daily for several years or longer. Effects are noticeable within a few days to several weeks of starting treatment.

The medication offers many benefits that most patients can 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

Used in conjunction with diet and exercise, Glipizide may be sufficient to reduce or even eliminate the need for supplementary injectable insulin in type 2 diabetics. However, normal doses of injected insulin should be maintained when treatment 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.

Dosage & Administration

For the most part treatment with Glipizide is straightforward, but it will need to be personalized to some extent according to personal variables such as age, weight, other conditions present, other medications being taken, and response to treatment.

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. At higher doses the total daily dose is often divided into two or three smaller doses. Some individuals find even small doses more effective if divided into multiple doses taken throughout the day.

Treatment usually consists of:

• Start with 5 mg taken 30 minutes prior to the first meal of the day. Blood glucose should be monitored closely for several days.
• After several days of monitoring, dosage may be increased in 2.5 to 5 mg increments if needed, waiting several days between each increase.
• 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.

It's important that blood glucose be monitored closely at the start of treatment and following any dosage adjustments. Patients should be alert for symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and be prepared to manage such incidents if they do occur.

As is the case with most diabetic treatments, lifestyle changes are also encouraged. Many patients find they need less reliance on insulin injections as treatment continues, and, if lifestyle changes are adhered to, patients may be able to discontinue use of medications entirely.

Warnings & Adverse Effects

Glipizide will lower blood glucose to some extent. 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.

Used as directed, Glipizide is a very safe medication. 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 Glipizide. 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 Glipizide, consult a doctor if experiencing:

• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Shortness of breath
• Abnormal heartbeat
• 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 Glipizide use; don't be afraid to contact a doctor about any concerning symptoms.