Description

Glucotrol medication is a prescription drug used to treat symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This is used in conjunction with proper diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This may be used alone or with other medications. 

GLUCOTROL 5 mg is the recommended starting dose generally administered half an hour before breakfast to avert an excessive rise in blood sugar after a meal (postprandial hyperglycemia). However, geriatric patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia or liver disease may start on 2.5 mg.

Glucotrol classification 

Glipizide, the Glucotrol generic name, is a medication belonging to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It works by lowering blood sugar, causing the pancreas to produce insulin, and helping the body efficiently use insulin. 

Glucotrol Side Effects 

More serious possible side effects of this drug include: 

• Dizziness, nausea, headache; 
• Hunger, irritability, sweating; 
• Feeling shaky or anxious;
• Fast heart rate, 

The most common side effects include: 

• Constipation, diarrhea, 
• Gas, 
• Drowsiness,
• Tremors,
• Itching, skin rash,

Immediately seek medical help if you experience any of the above symptoms. 

These are not all the possible side effects of this drug, so it is recommended to ask your doctor for more information.

Directions 

• This drug should be taken half an hour before your first meal of the day. The tablet must be swallowed whole; do not chew, crush, or break it. 
• Inform your doctor if you have: 
• Kidney or liver disease;
• Blockage in the intestines or chronic diarrhea; 
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase insufficiency is an enzyme deficiency (G6PD).
• Advise your doctor if you are pregnant and strictly follow instructions about using this drug. It is important to control diabetes during pregnancy since high blood sugar may result in complications in both mother and baby. Avoid taking glipizide during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy.

Caution 

• This drug is not for treating type 1 diabetes and should not be used if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication among people with type 1 diabetes. 
• Do not use this medicine if you have an allergy to glipizide. 
• Breastfeeding may be unsafe while using this medicine.  
• Consult your doctor for other contra-indications.

Frequently Asked Questions  

-What happens if Glucotrol is taken with food? 

Taking this drug with food will cause your blood sugar to stay high.

-What should you avoid when taking this medication? 

Do not take Glucotrol with alcohol because consuming alcohol while taking this drug may result in severe hypoglycemia.

-How fast does Glucotrol lower blood sugar?

This medication works to lower your blood sugar at your pancreas quickly, around 15 minutes after you take the medication. Hence, it is important to take the medication before a meal.