Glucotrol Side Effects

Generic name: glipizide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 11, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Glucotrol Side Effects associated with glipizide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Glucotrol.

Applies to glipizide: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Common side effects of Glucotrol

Some side effects of glipizide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• indigestion
• passing of gas

Less common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• full feeling
• pain
• sleeplessness
• sneezing
• stuffy nose
• trouble sleeping
• unable to sleep

Rare side effects

• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• excessive muscle tone
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• flushing or redness of the skin
• headache, severe and throbbing
• hives or welts
• inability to have or keep an erection
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• mood or mental changes
• muscle stiffness
• muscle tension or tightness
• sensation of spinning
• skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• unusually warm skin
• walking in unusual manner
• weight loss

Incidence not known

• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• severe sunburn

Serious side effects of Glucotrol

Along with its needed effects, glipizide (the active ingredient contained in Glucotrol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking glipizide:

Less common side effects

• anxiety
• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chills
• cold sweats
• coma
• confusion
• cool, pale skin
• depression
• difficulty with moving
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• headache
• increased hunger
• joint pain
• leg cramps
• muscle aching or cramping
• muscle pain or stiffness
• nausea
• nervousness
• nightmares
• pain in the joints
• problems in urination or increase in the amount of urine
• seizures
• shakiness
• slurred speech
• sweating
• swollen joints
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• bloating
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• body aches or pain
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• clay-colored stools
• congestion
• constipation
• cough
• dark urine
• decreased vision or other changes in vision
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficult or painful urination
• dryness or soreness of the throat
• excessive tearing
• fainting
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• feeling of warmth
• fever
• heartburn
• hoarseness
• indigestion
• itching
• loss of appetite
• pain in the eye
• pounding in the ears
• rash
• redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• runny nose
• severe stomach pain
• shortness of breath
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• tightness in the chest
• trouble in swallowing
• unpleasant breath odor
• voice changes
• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• wheezing
• yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

• agitation
• back or leg pains
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• chest pain
• convulsions
• decreased urine output
• fluid-filled skin blisters
• general body swelling
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• high fever
• hostility
• increased thirst
• irritability
• lethargy
• light-colored stools
• lower back or side pain
• muscle twitching
• nosebleeds
• pinpoint red pots on the skin
• rapid weight gain
• sensitivity to the sun
• skin thinness
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• stupor
• swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• unusual bleeding or bruising

For healthcare professionals

Applies to glipizide: compounding powder, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported side effects have included dizziness, diarrhea, nervousness, tremor, hypoglycemia, and flatulence.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypoglycemia
• Uncommon (less than 1%): Thirst
• Frequency not reported: Disulfiram like reactions, hepatic porphyria, hyponatremia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), elevation of LDH^[Ref]

Disulfiram-like reactions have been reported with sulfonylureas. Clinical experience has shown this drug to have a low incidence of disulfiram-like alcohol reactions.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Leucopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, pancytopenia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Syncope
• Uncommon (less than 1%): Arrhythmia, flushing, hypertension^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Impaired hepatic function, hepatitis, jaundice, mild to moderate ALT, LDH, alkaline phosphatase elevations
• Postmarketing reports: Cholestatic and hepatocellular forms of liver injury accompanied by jaundice^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Sweating, pruritus
• Uncommon (less than 1%): Rash, urticaria
• Frequency not reported: Rash, erythema, morbilliform or maculopapular eruptions, urticaria, pruritus, eczema^[Ref]

Dermatologic side effects frequently disappear with continued therapy. Photosensitivity has been reported with other sulfonylureas.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gastralgia, vomiting, flatulence, dyspepsia
• Uncommon (less than 1%): Anorexia, trace blood in stool
• Frequency not reported: Gastrointestinal irritation, gastrointestinal bleeding
• Postmarketing reports: Abdominal pain^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal side effects appear to be dose-related and may disappear on division or reduction of dosage.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Polyuria
• Uncommon (less than 1%): Dysuria^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, leg cramps, myalgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness, nervousness, tremors, paresthesia, hypesthesia
• Uncommon (less than 1%): Migraine
• Frequency not reported: Drowsiness^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision
• Uncommon (less than 1%): Pain in the eye, conjunctivitis, retinal hemorrhage
• Frequency not reported: Diplopia, abnormal vision, visual impairment, decreased vision^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, pain
• Uncommon (less than 1%): Chills, edema
• Frequency not reported: Vertigo, malaise^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, anxiety, depression
• Frequency not reported: Confusion^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Rhinitis
• Uncommon (less than 1%): Pharyngitis, dyspnea^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Mild to moderate BUN and creatinine elevations

Further information

Glucotrol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer