Drug Name

Glucotrol XL (Glipizide)

Drug Uses

Glucotrol is an oral anti-diabetic drug used to control blood sugar levels in people suffering from type-2 diabetes. The drug is usually used in combination with other medicines and a good diet.

How it is taken

The best way to use Glucotrol XL is as recommended by your doctor. However, you may take it with the first meal of the day unless your doctor prescribes some other method. Take it at the same time each day to ensure that you do not skip any doses. The pill is to be swallowed whole without breaking, crushing or chewing.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Glucotrol XL sulfonylurea anti diabetic that causes the pancreas to release insulin which in turn helps lower blood sugar.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Glucotrol XL then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to any other sulfonamide medicine, such as acetazolamide, celecoxib, certain diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), probenecid, sulfamethoxazole, valdecoxib, or zonisamide, you have a history of liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart problems, you have stomach or bowel problems (eg, stomach or bowel narrowing or blockage, stomach paralysis), drink alcohol, or have had poor nutrition, you have very poor health, a high fever, a severe infection, severe diarrhea, or high blood acid levels, or have had a severe injury, you have a history of certain hormonal problems (eg, adrenal or pituitary problems, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone [SIADH]), or low blood sodium levels, you will be having surgery.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or have certain severe problems associated with diabetes (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma), have moderate to severe burns, or very high blood acid levels (acidosis), have type 1 diabetes, you are pregnant and are within 1 month of the expected delivery date. 
Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking especially, any of the following.

Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), azole antifungals (eg, miconazole, ketoconazole), chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, insulin, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), phenylbutazone, probenecid, quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), salicylates (eg, aspirin), or sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole) because it significantly enhances the chances of low blood sugar.

Calcium channel blockers (eg, diltiazem), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine), diazoxide, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogens, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), isoniazid, niacin, phenothiazines (eg, promethazine), phenytoin, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), or thyroid supplements (eg, levothyroxine) because it reduces the efficiency of the drug and may cause high blood sugar.

It is unknown whether Glucozil is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Glucozil should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.
Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are abdominal/stomach pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, unusual tiredness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), increased heartbeat, lightheadedness and fainting.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.