Glipizide Warnings, Uses Side Effects & Dosage
Glipizide is a prescription drug used to treat type-2 diabetes. It works to reduce blood sugar levels by assisting the pancreas in producing insulin. Glipizide can be purchased as an oral tablet under the brand names Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL. In the following article we discuss the uses, dosage, side effects, and warnings of glipizide. We answer the questions how does glipizide work and also discuss glipizide and metformin.
What is Glipizide?
Glipizide is a prescription medication. When used along with other medications and changes in diet, glipizide can treat type-2 diabetes. Glipizide belongs to a class of medications called sulfonylureas.
Glipizide Dosage For Type 2 Diabetes (Extended-Release Tablets)
Adults: At first, 5 mg once per day taken at breakfast. Dosage should not exceed 20 mg per day.
Children: Use and dose should be determined by your doctor.
Dosage For Type 2 Diabetes (Tablets)
Adults: At first, 5mg once per day taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast. Dosage should not exceed 40 mg per day.
Children: Use and dose should be determined by your doctor.
Glipizide Uses
Glipizide is used to treat high blood sugar caused by diabetes mellitus, or type-2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is often caused by cells which do not react normally to insulin. Those with type-2 diabetes may have trouble processing sugar properly, but glipizide helps to speed up this process.
How Does Glipizide Work?
Glipizide helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas produce insulin, a natural substance that is required to break down sugar in the body. Glipizide can help those with type-2 diabetes, but it does not work for type-1 diabetes.
Glipizide And Metformin
Glipizide is often taken in conjunction with metformin in order to better treat type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar. Glipizide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, while metformin slows the absorption of sugar in the small intestine. Although these medications can be safely used together, it is important to consult your doctor if you plant to take glipizide and metformin at the same time.
Glipizide Dosage
The recommended dosage for glipizide can vary based on a variety of factors including:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Your condition
- Your response to your first dose
Glipizide Side Effects
Glipizide does have some associated side effects. Some of these side effects are more serious and less common than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of glipizide include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Feeling jittery
- Rash
- Hives
- Blisters
- Red or itchy skin
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Dizziness
If these side effects of glipizide are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped taking your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
If you are experiencing any of the following serious side effects of glipizide, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.
- Yellowing of the skin
- Yellowing of the eyes
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Pain in the upper right area of stomach
- Unusual bruising
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
Glipizide Warnings
You should not take glipizide if you have a history of liver problems. Glipizide can build up in your liver, further complicating these issues. If you have kidney problems, you should not take glipizide.
Can You Take Glipizide And Insulin Together?
Using glipizide in conjunction with insulin can increase your risk for hypoglycemia and low blood sugar. Tell your doctor if you have hypoglycemia and are considering taking glipizide.
Glipizide Dosage, Uses, Side Effects & Warnings Summary
Glipizide is a prescription drug used to treat type-2 diabetes. It can help treat diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels and assisting the pancreas in producing insulin.
Glipizide can be purchased as an oral tablet under the brand names Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL. Glipizide should not be taken in conjunction with insulin, as it can increase your risk for hypoglycemia and low blood sugar.
