Key facts about Glucotrol
What is Glucotrol?
Glucotrol is the brand name for glipizide and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Glucotrol available in?
Glucotrol is available as a 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg oral tablet.
What is Glucotrol used for?
Glucotrol is a sulfonylurea and is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
How does Glucotrol work?
Glucotrol is a sulfonylurea. It lowers blood sugar levels by telling your pancreas to release more insulin.
How do I take Glucotrol?
Glucotrol is typically dosed as 5 mg by mouth before breakfast. If needed, your provider will raise your dose every few days. If your total daily is higher than 15 mg, your provider will prescribe it as divided doses, taken twice daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 40 mg total. Your dose of glipizide might be lower if you’re an older adult, have liver problems, or are taking other blood sugar medications.
Is it safe for me to take Glucotrol?
Glucotrol is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a hypersensitivity to the drug or type 1 diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma.
Glucotrol Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Glucotrol include:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Nervousness
- Tremor
- Passing gas
- Low blood sugar levels
Glucotrol Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Glucotrol. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Dangerously low blood sugar levels: feeling hungry, fast heartbeat, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, tingling, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, confusion, coma
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Glucotrol
The following medications may interact with Glucotrol:
- Miconazole – Monitor patients closely. Severe hypoglycemia can occur when Glucotrol and oral miconazole are used concomitantly
- Fluconazole – Monitor patients closely. An increase in Glucotrol levels was seen after fluconazole administration
- Colesevelam – Glucotrol should be administered at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam
Who makes Glucotrol?
Pfizer Inc.
Is Glucotrol safe in pregnancy?
Glucotrol has not shown any drug associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal outcomes from a small number of published studies and postmarketing experience with Glucotrol use in pregnancy over decades. However, sulfonylureas (including glipizide) cross the placenta and have been associated with neonatal adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia. Therefore, Glucotrol should be discontinued at least two weeks before expected delivery.
