Drug Notes

Glipizide (By mouth)

Glipizide (GLIP-i-zide)

Treats type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take the regular tablet about 30 minutes before you eat a meal. Take the extended-release tablet with breakfast, unless your doctor tells you differently.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how glipizide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Aspirin, chloramphenicol, fluconazole, isoniazid, miconazole, niacin, phenytoin, probenecid
  • Birth control pill
  • Beta blocker medicine
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • MAO inhibitor
  • Medicine to treat an infection (including ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin)
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Phenothiazine medicine
  • Steroid medicine
  • Sulfa drug
  • Thyroid medicine
• If you are also taking colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours after you take glipizide.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel problems, stomach or bowel problems, adrenal or pituitary gland problems, or G6PD deficiency. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Higher risk of heart or blood vessel problems
  • Low blood sugar
• Part of the extended-release tablet may pass in your stool. This is normal.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, changes in vision
• Fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness
• Headache or confusion
• Sweating, trembling, shakiness, increased hunger

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017