Glipizide XL 5mg Tablets

Glipizide, a sulfonylurea, lowers blood glucose by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta cells. It binds to the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1) on the beta-cell membrane, leading to closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, depolarization of the membrane, and opening of voltage-gated calcium channels. The resulting influx of calcium triggers insulin secretion. It also may increase peripheral glucose utilization and decrease hepatic glucose production.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Changes in eyesight
Slurred speech
Tingling
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak

Additionally, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur, especially when this medication is used with other diabetes medications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:

Dizziness
Headache
Feeling sleepy or weak
Shaking
Fast heartbeat
Confusion
Hunger
Sweating

Follow your doctor's instructions for managing low blood sugar, which may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or consuming certain fruit juices.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

Dizziness
Diarrhea
Feeling nervous and excitable
* Gas

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor.

Reporting Side Effects

To report side effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or visit their website at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is also available to provide guidance on managing side effects.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced.
A known sulfa allergy.
Any narrowing of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or a history of bowel blockage.
Acidic blood problems, such as acidosis.
* If you have type 1 diabetes, as this medication is not intended to treat this condition.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.

Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving, wait until you understand how this drug affects you. Monitor your blood sugar levels as instructed by your doctor.

Regular blood work is crucial, so follow your doctor's schedule for check-ups and discuss the results with them. Be aware that this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so notify all your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking this drug.

Adhere to the diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor to maintain optimal health. If you experience low blood sugar, avoid driving, as it increases the risk of accidents. Additionally, refrain from consuming alcohol while taking this medication.

If you are also taking colesevelam, ensure you take it at least 4 hours after taking this drug. Be aware that stress, such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery, can affect blood sugar control. Changes in physical activity, exercise, or diet may also impact blood sugar levels.

Individuals with low levels of the enzyme G6PD should exercise caution, as they may be more prone to anemia. This enzyme deficiency is more common in patients of African, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent.

There is an increased risk of death from heart disease associated with this medication, so discuss this with your doctor. Low blood sugar is a potential side effect, and severe cases can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, long-term brain damage, and even death. Consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms.

If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those planning to become pregnant, should discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with their doctor.

You may notice the tablet shell in your stool, but this is a normal occurrence and not a cause for concern. However, if you are taking this medication during pregnancy, you may need to stop taking it before your due date, as low blood sugar has been reported in infants born to mothers who took similar medications. Consult your doctor to determine the best course of action.

• Bosentan (increased risk of hepatotoxicity)
• Miconazole (oral, IV, topical - increased risk of hypoglycemia)
• Alcohol (increased risk of hypoglycemia, disulfiram-like reaction)

• Beta-blockers (mask hypoglycemia symptoms, impair glucose recovery)
• NSAIDs (enhance hypoglycemic effect)
• Salicylates (high doses, enhance hypoglycemic effect)
• Sulfonamides (enhance hypoglycemic effect)
• Chloramphenicol (enhance hypoglycemic effect)
• Probenecid (enhance hypoglycemic effect)
• Coumarin derivatives (potentiate or diminish anticoagulant effect)
• Fluconazole (increase glipizide levels, increased hypoglycemia risk)
• Corticosteroids (decrease hypoglycemic effect)
• Thiazide diuretics (decrease hypoglycemic effect)
• Thyroid hormones (decrease hypoglycemic effect)
• Sympathomimetics (decrease hypoglycemic effect)
• Phenytoin (decrease hypoglycemic effect)
• Rifampin (decrease glipizide levels, reduced efficacy)

• Cimetidine (may increase glipizide levels slightly)
• Ranitidine (may increase glipizide levels slightly)

• Symptoms of hypoglycemia: sweating, tremor, dizziness, confusion, hunger, irritability, headache, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, weakness, slurred speech, seizures, loss of consciousness.
• Symptoms of hyperglycemia (less common with glipizide monotherapy): increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, blurred vision.

Glipizide is Pregnancy Category C. It is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially near term, due to the potential for severe neonatal hypoglycemia. Insulin is typically preferred for glycemic control in pregnant women with diabetes.

Glipizide is excreted into breast milk. Due to the potential for hypoglycemia in the nursing infant, it is generally not recommended during breastfeeding. Insulin is usually preferred for glycemic control in lactating women.

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. Use is not recommended.

Elderly patients are more susceptible to the hypoglycemic effects of glipizide due to potential age-related decline in renal and hepatic function, and often have multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy. Start with a lower initial dose (e.g., 2.5 mg) and titrate cautiously. Close monitoring for hypoglycemia is essential.

• Glipizide XL is an extended-release formulation, so it should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or divided.
• Always take Glipizide XL with breakfast or the first main meal to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia and optimize efficacy.
• Patients should be thoroughly educated on the symptoms and management of hypoglycemia.
• Renal and hepatic impairment significantly increase the risk of hypoglycemia; dose adjustments or alternative therapies are often necessary.
• Alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided due to increased risk of hypoglycemia and potential disulfiram-like reactions.
• Sulfonylureas like glipizide can lose effectiveness over time (secondary failure) as beta-cell function declines.

• Other sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide, glimepiride)
• Metformin (biguanide)
• DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin, saxagliptin)
• SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin, canagliflozin)
• GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide, semaglutide)
• Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone, rosiglitazone)
• Insulin therapy
• Meglitinides (e.g., repaglinide, nateglinide)
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (e.g., acarbose, miglitol)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.