Print this page
Email a friendDrug Library
Generic Name: Glipizide
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Glucotrol is used together with diet and exercise to control
non-insulin-dependent, or Type II, diabetes, which was once called "adult-onset
diabetes."
This pill seems to stimulate the pancreas to make more
insulin in response to a meal.
Side Effects and Interactions
Episodes of dangerously low blood sugar, or
hypoglycemia, are a hazard with Glucotrol as with any oral diabetes drug.
Be alert for symptoms of fatigue, shakiness, headache, cold sweat or
confusion, as they could signal this hazardous reaction.
Be sure to
discuss the symptoms and treatment of hypoglycemia with your health care
provider.
Other possible side effects of this medication include nausea,
diarrhea, dizziness, skin rash, drowsiness, stomach ache, changes in liver
enzymes, constipation and blood changes.
Fever, sore throat and bruising
or bleeding could signal a rare but serious reaction that requires immediate
attention. Report any symptoms or suspected side effects without delay.
A
number of compounds may interact with Glucotrol.
Alcohol should be
avoided if you are on this drug, as it could cause low blood sugar or
uncomfortable skin flushing and breathlessness.
Other drugs that could
lead to drops in blood sugar include nonsteroidal arthritis medicines like Motrin,
aspirin and similar medicines, and antidepressants like Nardil or Parnate.
Many blood pressure pills and heart medicines also interact with Glucotrol,
including beta blockers like Tenormin
and Corgard
as well as calcium channel blockers such as Procardia or Cardizem CD.
So may estrogen or thyroid hormones, corticosteroids, niacin used to
lower cholesterol, and the seizure medication Dilantin.
Juniper
berries may turn out to lower blood sugar; if so, they would interact with
Glucotrol. Close monitoring of blood sugar is advised.
There is a
possibility that garlic
could interact with drugs that lower blood sugar. Careful monitoring is
suggested for anyone combining garlic products with Glucotrol.
Check with
your doctor and pharmacist before starting or stopping any other medication or
herb.
Special Precautions
Glucotrol must not be taken by people who are allergic to sulfa drugs.
Your doctor will need frequent blood tests to adjust the dose of the medicine when you begin taking it.
Illness or a change in your exercise program may also make it necessary to adjust the dose later on.
Taking the Medicine
For greatest effectiveness, Glucotrol should be taken approximately half an hour before a meal.
Your doctor will tell you if you should take it once or twice a day.
Tags:
Bookmark/Share: 
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000