Drug Name

Glucotrol XL (Glipizide extended release tablet)

Drug Uses

Glucotrol XL is an anti-diabetic drug (sulfonylurea-type), used along with a proper diet as well as exercise program to control high blood sugar.

How Taken

Swallow this medication whole. Do not grind, bite or break the tablets. Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with breakfast; or take as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your health examination condition as well as response to therapy. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the alike time each day. Monitor blood glucose levels on a normal basis.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

It is used in patients with type II diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). It works by stimulating the release of your body's common insulin. Controlling high blood sugar helps halt heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, as well as circulation problems, as well as sexual function problems (impotence).

Missed Dose

Incase you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Incase it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose as well as resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

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

Warnings/Precautions

Before using Glucotrol XL, tell your doctor or pharmacist incase you are allergic to it; or incase you possess any other allergies. This medication should not be used incase you possess confident health examination conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist incase you have: metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your health examination history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, confident hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency, SIADH-syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone), electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia), stomach/intestine problems (e.g., gastrointestinal stenosis or stricture, impaired emptying). You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely abridged or high blood sugar levels; take caution, engaging in activities, requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcohol while using this medication because it can increase the risk of developinghypoglycemia. Alcohol can rarely work with glipizide as well as cause a humorless reaction (disulfiram-like reaction) with symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the protected take of alcohol. During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medication may be required. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Take a sunscreen as well as wear protective clothing when outdoors. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially hypoglycemia. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not recommended for take for at least one month before delivery due to the potential for fetal harm. Insulin may be preferred during pregnancy. Discuss the risks as well as benefits with yourdoctor. Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended.

Likely Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, gas, headache, as well as weight gain may occur. Incase any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless. Tell your doctor immediately incase any of these highly unlikely but very humorless side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever, easy bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, not light urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual or unexpected weight gain, mental/mood changes, swelling of the hands or feet, seizures. This medication can cause abridged blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This effect may occur incase you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc.). The symptoms include chills, chilly sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It is a pleasant habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat abridged blood sugar. Incase you are in asituation where you don't possess these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To help halt hypoglycemia, eat meals on a normal schedule as well as do not skip meals. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. Incase these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medication dosage may need to be increased. A humorless allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate health examination attention incase it occurs. Symptoms of a humorless allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Incase you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medication with others. It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to better understand diabetes as well as all the substantial aspects of its treatment, including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications as well as getting normal eye, foot, as well as health examination exams. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Keep all health examination appointments. Laboratory and/or health examination tests (e.g., liver as well as kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, total blood counts) will be performed to monitor for side effects as well as response to therapy. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.