Glucotrol XL (Glipizide Extended Release) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Glucotrol XL

Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) »

Diabetes facts

Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose.
Absence or insufficient production of insulin causes diabetes.
The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent).
Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst and hunger as well as fatigue.
Diabetes is diagnosed by blood sugar (glucose) testing.
The major complications of diabetes are both acute and chronic.
- Acutely: dangerously elevated blood sugar, abnormally low blood sugar due to diabetes medications may occur.
- Chronically: disease of the blood vessels (both small and large) which can damage the eye, kidneys, nerves, and heart may occur
Diabetes treatment depends...

Read the Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) article »

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Glucotrol XL Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to glipizide, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for treatment with insulin.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use glipizide:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
a disorder of your pituitary or adrenal glands;
a history of heart disease; or
if you are malnourished.

Taking certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with glipizide.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether glipizide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether glipizide passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take glipizide without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take glipizide (Glucotrol XL)?

Take glipizide exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency.

Do not change your dose of glipizide without first talking to your doctor.

Take glipizide 30 minutes before a meal. If you take the medicine once daily, take it 30 minutes before breakfast.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change.

Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (hyperglycemia). These symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your medication doses if needed.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked on a regular basis. You may also need other blood tests at your doctor's office. Do not miss any appointments.

Glipizide is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

It is important to take glipizide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store glipizide at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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