Glipizide XL and its Uses
Drug Class: What is Glucotrol
XL and why is it prescribed?
Glucotrol, Glipizide is an oral
antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent)
diabetes. In diabetics either the body does not make
enough insulin or the insulin that is produced no longer works properly.
There are actually two forms of diabetes: type 1 insulin-dependent
and type 2 non-insulin-dependent. Type 1 diabetes usually
requires insulin injections for life, while type 2 diabetes can
usually be treated by dietary changes and/or oral antidiabetic
medications such as Glucotrol.
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Drug Mechanism: How does
Glucotrol XL work?
Glucotrol, Glipizide is an oral glucose-lowering
drug in a class of medications for diabetes called sulfonylureas.
Glucotrol, 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. Insulin is a hormone which lowers the blood sugar level.
Approximately 90% of patients with diabetes has type II or
non- insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Type II diabetes
usually occurs in adulthood and is associated with obesity and a
strong family history of diabetes.
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Dosage: How should you take
Glucotrol XL?
In general, to achieve the best control
over blood sugar levels, Glucotrol should be taken
30 minutes before a meal. However, the exact dosing schedule
as well as the dosage amount must be determined by your physician.
Glucotrol XL should be taken with breakfast. Swallow the
tablets whole; do not chew, crush, or divide them. Do not be alarmed
if you notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool--it
will be the empty shell that has been eliminated. Glucotrol Dosage
levels must be determined by each patient's needs.
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Possible food and drug interactions
when taking Glucotrol XL
It is essential that you closely follow
your physician's dietary guidelines and that you inform your physician
of any medication, either prescription or nonprescription,
that you are taking.
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Special information on Glucotrol
XL
If you are pregnant, or planning to become
pregnant, you should take Glucotrol only on the advice of
your physician. Since studies suggest the importance of maintaining
normal blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy. Special
information on Glucotrol XLif you are pregnant or breastfeeding:
The effects of Glucotrol during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. Therefore, if you are physician may prescribe insulin during
pregnancy. To minimize the risk of low blood sugar in newborn
babies, Glucotrol, if taken during pregnancy, should be discontinued
at least one month before the expected delivery date.
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Glucotrol XL side
effects
Side effects of Glucotrol XL are
rare and seldom require discontinuation of the medication.
More common side effects of Glucotrol XL may include: Constipation,
diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, gas, headache, hives, itching,
low blood sugar, nervousness, sensitivity to light, skin rash and
eruptions, stomach pain, tremor. Less common or rare side effects
of Glucotrol XL may include: Anemia and other blood disorders,
yellow eyes and skin. Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL, like all
oral antidiabetic drugs, can cause low blood sugar.
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