Drug Name

Glucotrol XL (Glipizide)

Drug Uses

Glucotrol XL is used for treating type 2 diabetes in patients who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.

How to use

Use Glucotrol XL as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Glucotrol XL by mouth with breakfast or the first main meal of the day unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Swallow Glucotrol XL whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Glucotrol XL works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
Continue to take Glucotrol XL even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Glucotrol XL is a sulfonylurea antidiabetic medicine. It causes the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Zyvox, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Glucotrol XL if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Glucotrol XL
• you have certain severe problems associated with diabetes (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma)
• you have moderate to severe burns, or very high blood acid levels (acidosis)
• you have type 1 diabetes
• you are pregnant and are within 1 month of the expected delivery date

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Glucotrol XL. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to any other sulfonamide medicine, such as acetazolamide, celecoxib, certain diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), probenecid, sulfamethoxazole, valdecoxib, or zonisamide
• if you have a history of liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart problems
• if you have stomach or bowel problems (eg, stomach or bowel narrowing or blockage, stomach paralysis), drink alcohol, or have had poor nutrition
• if you have very poor health, a high fever, a severe infection, severe diarrhea, or high blood acid levels, or have had a severe injury
• if you have a history of certain hormonal problems (eg, adrenal or pituitary problems, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone [SIADH]), or low blood sodium levels
• if you will be having surgery

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Glucotrol XL. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased. They may also hide certain signs of low blood sugar and make it more difficult to notice
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), azole antifungals (eg, miconazole, ketoconazole), chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, insulin, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), phenylbutazone, probenecid, quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), salicylates (eg, aspirin), or sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased
• Calcium channel blockers (eg, diltiazem), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine), diazoxide, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogens, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), isoniazid, niacin, phenothiazines (eg, promethazine), phenytoin, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), or thyroid supplements (eg, levothyroxine) because they may decrease Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets's effectiveness, resulting in high blood sugar
• Gemfibrozil because blood sugar may be increased or decreased

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Diarrhea; dizziness; gas; nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; skin redness; dizziness); confusion; dark urine; fainting; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; irregular heartbeat; low blood sugar symptoms (eg, anxiety, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, headache, lightheadedness, severe or persistent dizziness, tremors, unusual sweating, weakness); severe or persistent blurred vision or other vision problems; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

More Information

If you have any questions about Glucotrol XL, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Glucotrol XL is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.