Glipizide is used to treat diabetes. This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in control.
Glipizide is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Glipizide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
If you are taking an extended-release type of tablet (usually labeled as “XL”, “ER”), take it with breakfast. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
If you are taking the immediate-release type of tablet, take it 30 minutes before meal.
Glipizide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Glipizide if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to similar sulfonamides or sulfonylureas such as glimepiride, tolbutamide, sulfamethoxazole, or sulfasalazine.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- type 1 diabetes (a condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin)
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
- severe thyroid problem
- stomach problems (when taking extended-release tab)
- diabetic coma (unconsciousness)
as Glipizide may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine with miconazole (medicine used to treat fungal infections).
Inform your doctor if you have an inherited condition known as G6PD deficiency or any severe infection, trauma, or any severe conditions where blood sugar control may be difficult.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Glipizide to an elderly, debilitated or malnourished person. They may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may need to do blood tests to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Glipizide.
You may have been warned about hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. It is important to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and correct the low blood sugar level. If you don't, you may faint.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Some of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, headache, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking. These symptoms are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar is dangerously low.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
You should take a drink or food containing sugar (e.g. fruit juice, soft drinks or sweets) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help. Keep some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you at all times.
Glipizide may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects
include any of the following:
diarrhoea, nervousness, tremor and stomach wind.
If you are taking the extended-release type of Glipizide, you may see a small tablet-shaped casing, in your bowel movements. This is normal. Do not be alarmed. This casing is just an empty shell. The medicine inside it has already been absorbed by your body.
Alert your doctor quickly if you experience rashes with skin peeling or blisters / rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.s
Do not take this medicine with miconazole (medicine used to treat fungal infections).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for heart disease e.g. atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
- medicines for stomach disorder e.g. cimetidine
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. chlorpromazine
- medicines for hormone disorder e.g. danazol, oestrogen
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. phenylbutazone
- blood-thinning medicine e.g. aspirin, warfarin
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking birth control pills as this can reduce the effectiveness of Glipizide. You should not stop or start any birth control pills without first informing your doctor. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control as an alternative while being treated with this medicine.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Glipizide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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