Glucotrol

Generic Name: Glipizide

Brand name: Glucotrol

General Information:

Glucotrol is an oral antidiabetic drug prescribed to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. In diabetics either the body doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin that is produced no longer works properly. Glucotrol controls diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin. If you suffer from type 1 diabetes, you will need to use insulin and will not be able to use Glucotrol.

Occasionally, type 2 diabetics must take insulin injections on a temporary basis, especially during stressful periods or times of illness. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney disease, strokes, heart disease, circulation problems, blindness as well as sexual function problems (impotence). Bioavailability is 100% (immediate-release); 90% (extended-release). Tmax is 1 to 3 h (immediate-release); 6 to 12 h (extended-release). Food delays absorption by about 40 min.

Be aware that Glucotrol is not an oral form of insulin, it cannot substitute insulin.

Follow the diet strictly if it is recommended by your physician.

Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.

Don’t stop treatment with Glucotrol earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. Always contact a medic before giving Glucotrol to a child.

Don’t take Glucotrol if you have the following conditions:

• allergy to any component of Glucotrol
• type 1 diabetes
• severe problems associated with diabetes (for example, diabetic coma, diabetic ketoacidosis)
• pregnancy
• moderate to severe burns, or very high blood acid levels (acidosis)

What symptoms or conditions should I report to a doctor before I take this medicine?

It is important to report to a doctor if you have or had the following conditions:

• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription pills, dietary supplement, herbal preparation
• history of thyroid, liver, kidney or heart problems
• history of certain hormonal problems (e.g., syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), adrenal or pituitary problems,), or low blood sodium levels
• pregnancy or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding
• severe infection, severe diarrhea, very poor health
• a high fever or high blood acid levels, or have had a severe injury
• stomach or bowel problems (eg, stomach or bowel narrowing or blockage, stomach paralysis), drink alcohol, or have had poor nutrition
• allergies to foods, medicines or other substances
• if you are going to have surgery
• a condition called glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• a severe allergic reaction (for example, a severe hives, rash, dizziness, breathing difficulties) to any other sulfonamide medicine, such as zonisamide, acetazolamide, sulfamethoxazole, probenecid, celecoxib, valdecoxib or certain diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide)

Important Information:

Glucotrol may cause dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, blurred vision. Don’t drink alcohol during treatment; otherwise your condition may worsen.

During treatment carry an ID card saying you have diabetes. Test your blood regularly. Inform your physician in case your condition doesn’t improve.

Follow your doctor’s instructions according regular exercise, diet, and regular blood sugar testing.

It may be difficult to control your blood sugar during such conditions as fever, stress, injury, infection or surgery. Ask your physician if you have any questions.

Glucotrol may cause low blood sugar levels. This may make you weak, anxious, dizzy, sweaty, faint, drowsy, irregular heart beat, changes in your vision, headache, tremors, chills; you may be hungrier as usual. You may need to carry a reliable source of glucose (for example, pills or gel) to cure low level of blood sugar or drink and eat a quick source of sugar like honey, non-diet soda, orange juice, table sugar or candy. Don’t skip meals.

The risk of low level of blood sugar may be increased by drinking alcohol, prolonged or severe exercise, or skipping meals.

Ask you physician about the risks and benefits of the treatment if you have any heart disease.

Don’t be worried if you notice the pill shell in your stool.

Try to avoid the sun until you know how Glucotrol affects you. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you need to go outside.

Before receiving any dental, medical or emergency care, or surgery, inform your physician or dentist that you are taking Glucotrol.

You may need to use Glucotrol with caution if you are an older patient, you may be more sensitive to its effects.

Don’t take Glucotrol if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying to get pregnant.

Glucotrol may not work properly if you take it for long time.

Ask your physician if you have any questions.

What should I do if I miss the dose?

If you miss the dose, try to take it as soon as you have the opportunity. If it is time for your next dose, take only one dose. You don’t have to double the dose.

How should Glucotrol pills be used?

It should be taken orally half an hour before breakfast or the first main meal. Swallow Glucotrol Pills whole. Take it at same time each day.

Overdosage:

Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.

In large doses, this remedy may cause the following conditions: low blood sugar. Eating sugar or a sugar-based product will often correct the condition. Symptoms may include unusual sweating, fainting, lightheadedness, severe dizziness, seizures, drowsiness, tremor, fast heartbeat, confusion, lethargy, coma.

Which side effects can I perceive from this remedy?

Contact your physician immediately if you notice any of the following

Serious side effects:

• allergy like skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing, itching
• fainting, confusion
• irregular heartbeat
• dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• fever, chills or persistent sore throat
• vision problems, severe or persistent blurred vision
• unusual weakness, tiredness
• low blood sugar symptoms (e.g., unusual sweating, fast heartbeat, severe or persistent drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, tremors, lightheadedness, weakness, headache)

Less serious side effects: 

• nausea
• dizziness
• gas, diarrhea

This list of side effects may be not complete, others may occur. Inform your medical practitioners about all side effects you experience.

Interactions:

• quinolone antibiotics (for example, ciprofloxacin), sulfonamides (for example, sulfamethoxazole), clofibrate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (for example, ibuprofen), phenylbutazone, chloramphenicol, anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), insulin, probenecid, salicylates (eg, aspirin), azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole, miconazole), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), fenfluramine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine) since the risk of low level of blood sugar may be increased
• beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased. They may also hide certain signs of low blood sugar and make it more difficult to notice
• decongestants (for example, pseudoephedrine), diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), sympathomimetics (for example, albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), calcium channel blockers (for example, diltiazem), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), niacin, estrogens, phenytoin, rifamycins (for example, rifampin), isoniazid, diazoxide or phenothiazines (for example, promethazine), thyroid supplements (eg, levothyroxine) since they may decrease the effectiveness of Glucotrol, resulting in high blood sugar
• gemfibrozil since blood sugar may be increased or decreased

This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.

Storage:

Glucotrol should be stored at room temperature, in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Glucotrol out of the reach of children and away from animals.

Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor. The information contained in this article is not intended to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, directions, uses, allergic reactions or warnings.