Generic name: glipizide [ GLIP-i-zide ]
Brand names: GlipiZIDE XL, Glucotrol XL
Drug class: Sulfonylureas

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 6, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Glucotrol XL?

Glucotrol XL can be used alone or with other medications, diet, and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (not for type 1 diabetes).

Glucotrol XL may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Glucotrol XL side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once or seek emergency medical attention if you have:

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• signs of low or severely low blood sugar--headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, feeling jittery, extreme weakness, nausea, tremors, trouble speaking, or seizure; or

• signs of hemolytic anemia--pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness.

Common side effects of Glucotrol XL may include:

• diarrhea, nausea, gas;

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• headache, tremors, feeling nervous; or

• skin rash, redness, or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Glucotrol XL if you are allergic to Glucotrol XL or any of its ingredients or if you have:

• type 1 diabetes;

• a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis; or

• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• diabetic ketoacidosis;

• a blockage in your stomach or intestines caused by disease or surgery;

• severe or ongoing diarrhea;

• an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD); or

• liver or kidney disease.

Glucotrol XL may increase your risk of heart problems. Ask your doctor about this risk.

It is not known if Glucotrol XL will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Having high blood sugar during pregnancy may cause complications or medical problems in both mother and baby. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and you may need to stop taking Glucotrol XL for a short time just before your due date.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I take Glucotrol XL?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take Glucotrol XL 30 minutes before a meal.

Take the Glucotrol XL extended-release tablet once a day with breakfast or your first meal of the day.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, break, chew or dissolve it.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need other medical tests.

Part of the extended-release tablet shell may appear in your stool but this will not make the medicine less effective.

Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.

Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your medication dosage.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and special medical care.

Store tightly closed at room temperature in the original container away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take your dose as soon as you can, but only if you are getting ready to eat a meal. If you skip a meal, skip the missed dose and wait until your next meal. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking Glucotrol XL?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Glucotrol XL will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect Glucotrol XL?

When you start or stop taking Glucotrol XL, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of other medicines you use on a regular basis.

Take your Glucotrol XL dose 4 hours before taking colesevelam.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially miconazole or fluconazole.

Many other drugs can affect your blood sugar and may also affect Glucotrol XL. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Related/similar drugs

Mounjaro, Ozempic, Rybelsus, metformin, Trulicity, Lantus, Tresiba, Victoza, Levemir

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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