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Chemical Name: GLIPIZIDE (GLIP-i-zide)
This is an anti-diabetic medicine (sulfonylurea-type) used along with a proper
diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients
with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). It works by stimulating
the release of your body's natural insulin. Effectively controlling blood sugar
helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and circulation
problems, as well as sexual function problems (impotence).
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM
YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that
you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if
you are taking other diabetes medicines (e.g., insulin, metformin), aspirin or
aspirin-like medicines (e.g., salicylates, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen,
phenylbutazone), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole), beta-blockers-including
glaucoma eye drops (e.g., propranolol, timolol, metoprolol), birth control
pills, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), calcium channel blockers (e.g.,
diltiazem), chloramphenicol, cimetidine, clofibrate, corticosteroids (e.g.,
prednisone), decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), diazoxide, diet pills,
epinephrine, estrogens, isoniazid, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid,
moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid,
tranylcypromine), niacin, phenothiazines (e.g., promethazine), phenytoin,
probenecid, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), rifampin, sulfonamides
(e.g., sulfa antibiotics), thyroid medicines, "water pills" (diuretics such as
hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), fenugreek, or ginseng. DO NOT START OR STOP
any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any
other medical conditions including liver, kidney, or thyroid disease; certain
hormonal conditions (adrenal/pituitary insufficiency; SIADH-syndrome of
inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone); electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia);
high blood pressure; stomach or intestinal problems (e.g., gastrointestinal
stenosis or stricture, impaired emptying); allergies; pregnancy; or
breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have metabolic
conditions (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if
you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW
WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. This medicine is usually
taken once daily with breakfast, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is
based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take this medicine
regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking the medicine at the same
time each day will help you to remember. MONITOR BLOOD GLUCOSE levels on a
regular basis. STORE THIS MEDICINE in a tightly-closed container at room
temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C), away from heat,
moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.
IT IS IMPORTANT that you keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you
are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney
function tests, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, complete blood
counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for
side effects. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar as directed by your
doctor or pharmacist. YOU MAY EXPERIENCE BLURRED VISION, dizziness, or
drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. USE CAUTION ENGAGING
IN ACTIVITIES REQUIRING ALERTNESS such as driving or operating machinery. LIMIT
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while using this medicine because they can increase the risk
of developing hypoglycemia. Rarely, alcohol can interact with glipizide and
cause a serious reaction (disulfiram-like reaction) with symptoms such as facial
flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist about the safe use 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 medicine may be required. THIS
MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun
or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or
protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. YOU MAY
NOTICE A TABLET SHELL IN YOUR STOOL. There is no cause for concern. The medicine
has already been absorbed by your body even though the tablet shell has not
dissolved. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN
USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY since they may be more sensitive to the
effects of this medicine, especially hypoglycemia. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON
BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. Glipizide is not recommended for use for at least 1
month before delivery due to the potential for fetal harm. Insulin may be
preferred during pregnancy. Discuss all options with your doctor. IT IS UNKNOWN
IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking
this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, loss
of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, gas, headache, or weight
gain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience persistent sore throat or fever, easy
bleeding/bruising, stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual
tiredness or weakness, unusual or sudden weight gain, mental/mood changes,
swelling of the hands or feet, or seizures. THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE LOW BLOOD
SUGAR (hypoglycemia). This effect may occur if you do not consume enough
calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc). The symptoms include chills, cold
sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate,
weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It is a
good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are
in a situation where you do not have 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 prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a
regular schedule and do not skip meals. SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD SUGAR
(hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness,
flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, TELL
YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. Your medicine dosage may need to be increased. AN
ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include shakiness, rapid heartbeat,
sweating, and loss of consciousness.
Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this
medicine. Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular testing of blood sugar are
important for best results when using this medicine. This medicine is not a
substitute for them. Be sure to follow the diet plan provided by your doctor. It
is recommended that you attend a diabetes education program to better understand
diabetes, prevention of complications, and all the important aspects of its
treatment. These include meals/diet, exercise, weight loss, personal hygiene,
medicines and blood glucose monitoring, and the need for regular eye, foot, and
medical exams. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. DO NOT SHARE THIS
MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE
for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and
pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills
before your supply runs out.
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