Glipizide

The lowest price for generic glipizide (Glucotrol) with EzRx Discount Drug Card is $9.67 for a 30-day supply. This is over 20% off on the medicine’s average retail price of $12.21.

Glipizide is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control blood sugar level in the patients with type 2 diabetes. In these patients, insulin hormone is either secreted in a lower amount by the pancreas, the body isn’t as sensitive to the insulin being produced, or it can not process the blood sugar properly. Controlling blood sugar level helps in preventing kidney damage, sexual function problems, blindness and amputation of legs. Glipizide belongs to a class of drugs, known as sulfonylureas and helps in lowering the blood sugar level by causing the body to release the natural insulin hormone to metabolize blood sugar. The medication must be taken regularly to get the most benefit from it.
The medication may be prescribed by your doctor for the purposes not mentioned here. Glipizide is available as both a generic and a brand name drug. Brand Name(s): Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL.
Generic drugs usually cost less than the branded ones and in some cases, may not be available in all strengths and forms as their brand name versions.

How to take it

The medication is to be taken orally by the mouth, usually 30 minutes before breakfast or a meal. Drink a glassful of water after taking your tablet. Some patients may be directed to take the medicine twice a day. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet make sure to swallow it whole.

Dosage

Glipizide tablets come in the strengths of 5 mg and 10 mg, extended release tablets that slowly release the medicine in the blood stream over the day are available in the strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg. The usual starting dose is 5 mg daily for diabetic patients this may be increased based on blood sugar levels.
The actual dosage and length of treatment for your specific case will be prescribed by your doctor as per your existing medical condition and age, and may be changed based on your response to the treatment. It is very important to follow your doctor’s dosing instructions exactly. Read the instructions carefully on your prescription label and if available, patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist with the medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller quantity or longer than recommended by the doctor.

What if I miss a dose?

To prevent the chances of missing a dose, take the medication at the same time each day so that you remember. If you forget your doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you happen to miss a dose, skip the medication if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not overdose yourself to compensate for the missed dose, as taking extra medication without doctor’s advice can cause you severe side effects, and won’t treat you earlier or faster. Take the medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.

Precautions and side effects

Glipizide may interact with certain other medications, supplements, or herbs you are taking and this may prevent it from working well. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you are taking, or the allergies that you have. To help you avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all your medications carefully. Use the medication only for the indication prescribed and keep it away from the reach of children. Do not share your prescription with others. The medication can cause side effects although not everyone gets them.
Before taking the medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney diseases, chronic diarrhea, an enzyme deficiency known as G6PD (glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase), a history of heart disease or breastfeeding.
Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, weight gain, tremors, skin rashes, feeling anxious or shaky and loss of appetite may occur. Some patients may experience serious side effects such as low blood sugar level, seizures, fast heartbeat, nosebleed, bleeding gums and throbbing headache. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, fast heartbeat, hunger and tingling hand or feet. Immediately raise your blood sugar level if you have these symptoms by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, candy or honey. Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to immediately raise your sugar level in case you cannot eat or drink. Make sure that your family and close friends also know to use the injection in case of an emergency. Also check for the symptoms of your high blood sugar level such as increased urination, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, hunger and drowsiness.
A very serious allergic reaction to glipizide is rare. Some forms of glipizide may come with a shell which is not absorbed or melted by the body and may appear in your stool. This is normal and does not make the medication less effective in any way.
This is not a complete list of the side effects and others may occur. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor. Remember that your doctor may prescribe this medication as they feel that the benefit to you is greater than the risk or side effects. Get medical help right away if the patient experiences severe side effects or you think there is a medical emergency.

Disclaimer: The above description of this drug is informative only and should not be substituted for a medical advice.

Disclaimer: The information and content posted on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a replacement for medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a medical professional for diagnosis or treatment, including before embarking on and/or changing any prescription medication or for specific medical advice related to your medical history.