:: Health Conditions - Diabetes - Glipizide and Sustained Release

Glucotrol (XL)

Glucotrol is the brand name of a drug Glipizide and Sustained Release.
Glipizide is in a class of drugs called sulfonylureas. It is used to help control blood sugar levels.
Glipizide is used to treat type 2 diabetes along with diet, exercise, and insulin therapy, if necessary.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a glipizide overdose include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and coma.

What are the possible side effects of metformin?
Stop taking glipizide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects from glipizide result mostly from blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low. You should be familiar with the symptoms of both high and low blood sugar levels and know how to treat both conditions. Also, be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency situation

Low blood sugar may occur when too much glipizide is taken; when meals are missed or delayed; if you exercise more than usual; during illness, especially with vomiting or diarrhea; if you take other medications; after drinking alcohol; and in other situations.

Hypoglycemia or Low blood sugar has the following symptoms:

• shaking;
• headache;
• cold sweats;
• pale, cool skin;
• anxiety; and
• difficulty concentrating.

Keep hard, sugary candy; chocolate; fruit juice; or glucose tablets on hand to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

Increased blood sugar may occur when not enough glipizide is taken; if you eat significantly more food than usual; if you exercise less than usual; if you take other medications; during fever or other illness; and in other situations.

Hyperglycemia or High blood sugar has the following symptoms:

• increased thirst,
• increased hunger, and
• increased urination.

There may be an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) complications with the use of glipizide when compared to the treatment of diabetes with diet or diet plus insulin. The long-term use of glipizide should be discussed with your doctor.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.