Glipizide is used to treat type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'adult-onset'), particularly in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet alone. Glipizide lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin and helping the body use insulin efficiently. The pancreas must be capable of producing insulin for this medication to work. Glipizide is not used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'juvenile-onset').
Dosage
Glipizide comes in tablets to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, 30 minutes before breakfast. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take glipizide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take glipizide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking glipizide without talking to your doctor.
Missed dose
Before you start taking glipizide, ask your doctor what to do if you forget to take a dose. Write these directions down so you can refer to them later.
As a general rule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Glipizide. Glipizide helps most people with diabetes, but it may have unwanted side effects in some people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
- signs of hypoglycaemia which may include weakness, trembling or shaking, sweating, lightheadedness, headache, dizziness, irritability, tearfulness or crying, hunger and lack of concentration
- confusion, shaking and feeling generally unwell. These may be experienced but are usually mild and transient. However, they may also be symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
- stomach upset including nausea (feeling sick), vomiting and stomach cramps or pain
- diarrhoea, constipation
- dizziness, drowsiness, headache. These may be experienced but are usually mild and transient. However, they may also be symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
- rashes, sores, redness, itching, or eczema. Sometimes these effects may disappear following continued treatment but you should ask your doctor for advice if you experience skin problems while taking Glipizide.
- unusual weight gain
- visual disturbances which may include blurred vision, double vision and abnormal vision. These may be experienced but are usually mild and transient. However, they may also be symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:
- symptoms of sunburn such as redness, itching or blistering which may occur more quickly than normal
- bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, reddish or purplish blotches under the skin
- yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- signs of frequent infections, such as fever, chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
- tiredness, being short of breath when exercising and looking pale.
- signs of liver disease such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark coloured urine.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
Overdose Information
There is no well documented experience with glipizide overdosage. But in case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.
Storage
Store this medication in a cool, dry place below 25°C (77°F).
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