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Home > Drug Category > Diabetic Medications and Products > Glucotrol and Equivalent

Glucotrol Information

Glucotrol (Glipizide) is used with diet and exercises to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes happens when your body can’t use insulin properly. Without treatment, this condition can cause various health problems, like heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. Although there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, you can manage the condition by making lifestyle changes and taking medications. Sulfonylureas, like Glipizide, stimulate insulin release from the pancreas, directing the body to store blood sugar. This helps lower blood sugar levels and restore how you use food to make energy.

Glucotrol Side Effects

The most common side effects of Glucotrol may include diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, redness, and skin rash.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of liver problems, such as dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes;
• Signs of low blood sugar, such as confusion, sweating, tremors, or sweating

Glucotrol Precautions

Do not use Glucotrol if you are allergic to Glipizide or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney disease, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, intestinal blockage, pituitary or adrenal gland disorder, malnourishment, heart disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD), think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Glucotrol and other medications, such as prednisone, hydrochlorothiazide, fluconazole, clarithromycin, propranolol, aspirin, etc. Do not use Glucotrol if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is unknown if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, controlling diabetes in pregnancy is essential as the condition may cause complications in both mother and baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug in pregnancy with your doctor. Do not use Glucotrol while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. Glipizide passes into breast milk in small amounts and may harm a nursing infant. The safety and effectiveness of Glucotrol cream in children have not been established.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Glucotrol comes as a tablet. Take the drug 30 minutes before your first meal of the day. Swallow the table whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Your doctor will check your blood sugar often while you use this drug. If you experience signs of low blood sugar after using this drug, take a fast-acting source of sugar like fruit juice, hard candy, or raisins. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to use in case you have severe low blood sugar and cannot eat or drink. Be sure your family and close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency. Do not change your dose or medication schedule without talking to your doctor. Stress, illness, exercise, and skipping meals can affect blood sugar levels. Glipizide is only for treating type 2 diabetes. The drug will not work for type 1 diabetes. Avoid drinking alcohol when using this medicine. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and can increase your risk of side effects. Glucotrol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Store Glucotrol at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Glucotrol?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Glucotrol.