Thursday, October 27, 2016

Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets


Pronunciation: GLIP-i-zide
Generic Name: Glipizide
Brand Name: Glucotrol XL


Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets are 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.


Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets are a sulfonylurea antidiabetic medicine. It works by causing the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar.


Do NOT use Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets

  • you have certain severe problems associated with diabetes (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma)

  • you have 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.



Before using Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets:


Some medical conditions may interact with Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets. 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; high blood acid levels (acidosis) or diabetic ketoacidosis; certain hormonal problems (eg, adrenal or pituitary problems, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion [SIADH]); or low blood sodium levels

  • if you have stomach or bowel problems (eg, stomach or bowel narrowing or blockage, stomach paralysis), or you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse

  • if you have poor health or nutrition, fever, an infection, moderate to severe burns, a recent injury, or severe diarrhea

  • if you or a family member have a condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

  • if you will be having surgery

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets. 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 inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (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

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets:


Use Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • An extra patient leaflet is available with Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.

  • Take Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets by mouth with breakfast or the first main meal of the day unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Swallow Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

  • Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets works best if it is taken at the same time each day.

  • Continue to take Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

  • If you miss a dose of Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets.



Important safety information:


  • Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or light-headedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

  • Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol while you are taking Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets. Alcohol may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Rarely, alcohol may interact with Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets and cause a serious reaction with symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

  • Carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher or lower than they should be and you take Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets exactly as prescribed, tell your doctor.

  • Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular blood sugar testing are important for best results with Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

  • It may be harder to control your blood sugar during times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk with your doctor about how to control your blood sugar if any of these occur. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor.

  • Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets may cause low blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you hungrier. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals.

  • Risk of low blood sugar may be increased by severe or prolonged exercise, drinking alcohol, or skipping meals.

  • Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets are a sulfonylurea. It may increase the risk of death from heart disease. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of this or other therapies to treat your condition.

  • You may notice the tablet shell in your stool with some brands of Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

  • Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

  • Lab tests, including fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c, and liver function, may be performed while you take Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

  • Use Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar levels may also be more difficult to recognize in the elderly.

  • Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets while you are pregnant. Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets should not be taken if you are within 1 month of the expected delivery date because it may cause low blood sugar in the baby. It is not known if Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets.

When used for long periods of time, Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets may not work as well. If your blood sugar has been under control and then becomes hard to manage, contact your doctor. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor.



Possible side effects of Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets:


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; fainting; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; irregular heartbeat; low blood sugar symptoms (eg, anxiety, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, headache, light-headedness, severe or persistent dizziness, tremors, unusual sweating, weakness); severe or persistent blurred vision or other vision problems; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, loss of appetite, pale stools, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes); unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual stomach or back pain; unusual tiredness or weakness.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Glucotrol XL side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; confusion; fainting; fast heartbeat; lethargy; light-headedness; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; tremor; unusual sweating.


Proper storage of Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets:

Store Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, light, and humidity. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets are 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.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Glucotrol XL Extended-Release Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Glucotrol XL resources


  • Glucotrol XL Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Glucotrol XL Dosage
  • Glucotrol XL Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Glucotrol XL Drug Interactions
  • Glucotrol XL Support Group
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