Glucotrol XL
Glipizide
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Glucotrol XL
Glucotrol XL belongs to a group of anti diabetics called sulfonylurea. It acts by increasing secretion of insulin from pancreas and lower blood sugar level.
Therapeutic Uses of Glucotrol XL
Glucotrol XL is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who can not control their blood sugar level with diet and exercise alone. But while using Glucotrol XL, diet and exercise also should be continued. Glucotrol XL can be used alone or in combination with other anti diabetic medications.
Direction of use of Glucotrol XL
Glucotrol XL should be taken as your doctor tells you. Usually it is taken orally with breakfast or with the first major meal of the day. Swallow Glucotrol XL as a whole without breaking it, crushing it or chewing it. It should be taken at the same time everyday for obtaining best result and also for convenience of remembering to take it. Glucotrol XL has to be taken for long duration so keep taking even if you feel better and don not miss a dose of it. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. If you have any question about Glucotrol XL ask your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Glucotrol XL
If a dose of Glucotrol XL is missed, take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Glucotrol XL at a time.
How to Store Glucotrol XL
Glucotrol XL should be stored at room temperature. Do not store Glucotrol XL in the bathroom. Glucotrol XL should be stored in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep Glucotrol XL out of reach of children.
More Information About Glucotrol XL
If you have any questions about Glucotrol XL, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. You should not share Glucotrol XL with anybody. If it is prescribed for you, use it for yourself only. If there is no improvement of symptoms than consult your doctor because you may need to increase the dose of Glucotrol XL or need to add other anti diabetic medicine.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Glucotrol XL
Do not use Glucotrol XL if you have any of the following problems that are listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you allergy to any ingredient of Glucotrol XL.
- If you are pregnant.
- If you have type 1 diabetes also known as insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM).
- If you have diabetic complications like diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma etc.
- If you are suffering from burns (moderate or severe) or have acidosis.
Some medical conditions may interact with Glucotrol XL and you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions that interact with Glucotrol XL. The medical conditions that interact with Glucotrol XL are listed below:
- If you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning pregnancy.
- If you have allergy to other medicines, foods or any substance.
- If you will undergo any surgical operation.
- If you are taking any medicine either prescription medicine, non prescription medicine, herbal medicine or any dietary supplements.
- If you have kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease or heart disease.
- If you are suffering from severe infection, high fever, severe diarrhea, or serious trauma.
- If you have any history of any hormonal problems like SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone), adrenal problem or pituitary problem.
- If you are chronic alcoholic, have poor nutritional status, low blood sodium levels, or have any stomach or bowel problem like bowel narrowing or blockage, stomach paralysis etc.
- If you have allergy to sulfonamide medicines, acetazolamide, celecoxib, certain diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide), probenecid, sulfamethoxazole, valdecoxib, or zonisamide etc. The allergic reaction is manifested by itching, rash in skin or mucous membrane, breathlessness, dizziness etc.
Some medicines may interact with Glucotrol XL. Consult immediately if you experience any interaction of Glucotrol XL with other medicine. If you are taking any of the following medicine that may cause some interaction with Glucotrol XL, you should inform your doctor:
- Non selective beta blockers like propranolol, because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased. They also mask the certain signs of low blood sugar and make it more difficult to notice for the patient.
- Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem; decongestants like pseudoephedrine; diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide); hormonal birth control pills; corticosteroids like prednisone; anti tubercular medicines (isoniazid, rifampin); sympathomimetics (albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline); or thyroid hormones like levothyroxine; phenothiazines like promethazine etc. All these medicines can cause high blood sugar level by reducing the effectiveness of Glucotrol XL.
- Gemfibrozil may cause changes in blood sugar levels.
- Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) like enalapril; monoamine oxidase (MAO inhibitors) inhibitors like phenelzine; nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, phenylbutazone; azole antifungals (miconazole, ketoconazole); quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin; ), salicylates like aspirin; sulfonamides (sulfamethoxazole); probenecid, anticoagulants like warfarin; chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine etc. All these medicines can cause increase in blood sugar level.
Possible Adverse Effects
- Glucotrol XL may cause some minor and common side effects and some serious side effects. Consult your doctor if you get any of the common side effects like nausea, vomiting, gas in stomach, dizziness diarrhea etc. and they become troublesome and persistent.
- If you get any serious side effects get immediate medical attention. Serious side effects that may be seen due to Glucotrol XL are hypoglycemia (anxiety, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, headache, lightheadedness, severe or persistent dizziness, tremors, unusual sweating, weakness); severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; skin redness; dizziness); unusual bruising or bleeding; fainting, persistent sore throat, severe and persistent blurring of vision or other vision problems; generalized weakness or tiredness, confusion, dark color urine, ventricular arrhythmia etc.