Glipizide

Antidiabetic Drug

Drug class: Sulfonylureas

Glipizide (GLUCOTROL)（中文：格列吡嗪）

Pronunciation

Glipizide 5mg

Common Strengths of Glipizide Tablet

Glipizide tablets are available in the following strengths:

• 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg tablets (immediate-release and extended-release)

Drug Trade Names of Glipizide Tablet

• Glucotrol
• Glucotrol XL

Drug Usag

Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Mechanism of Action

Stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells

Route of Administration

Glipizide is administered orally

Dosages

• Initially 2.5 - 5 mg once daily. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 20 mg.
• Hypertension/Heart failure: No specific adjustments
• Diabetic kidney disease: Start with 2.5 mg daily, adjust carefully

Side Effects

Frequency	Adverse reactions
Common	Hypoglycemia
Uncommon	Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headache
	Allergic skin reactions, blood dyscrasias
	Hepatitis

The main symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include:

• Feel hungry
• Weakness and dizziness
• Feeling anxious or irritable
• Sweating and chills
• Tremble
• Tingling of lips
• Palpitations
• Vision changes, such as blurred vision
• Confused

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption
  • Rapid and complete. Peak plasma concentrations occur 1 to 3 hours after a single oral dose. For extended-release formulations, peak plasma concentrations are reached within 6 to 12 hours.
• Metabolism
  • Occurs mainly in the liver
• Elimination
  • Mainly in urine, half-life 2 to 5 hours

The glucose-lowering effect of glipizide can last for up to 24 hours.

Drug Precautions

Pregnancy

Avoid use, insulin preferred

Breastfeeding

Not recommended

Children and Elderly

Not for children, use caution in elderly

Renal impairment

Start with lower dose, adjust carefully

Monitoring requirements

• Regular blood glucose monitoring
• HbA1c levels
• Renal and liver function tests

Drug interactions

NSAIDs, beta-blockers, antifungals may enhance the hypoglycemic effect

FAQ

How Should I Take the Tablet?

Take 30 minutes before meals.

What Should I Avoid While Taking?

Alcohol, skipping meals

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Take as soon as remembered if within a few hours, otherwise skip and take the next scheduled dose. Do not double dose.