Glucotrol (Glipizide SR) Review

Glucotrol is commonly prescribed as part of an overall therapy program for patients with type 2 diabetes. Used in conjunction with diet and exercise, patients of ten do not need to resort to insulin injections. A generic form of Glucotrol is available, known as glipizide. This medication belongs to the family of medications known as sulfonylureas.

Glucotrol is not well tolerated by some patients. All physicians should understand a patient’s medical history prior to selecting this drug. Patients with a history of kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, liver disease, or thyroid disease, are currently engaged with an infection, illness, or injury, or have a current need for a surgical procedure are not good candidates for Glucotrol.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Glucotrol as a pregnancy risk category C, which indicates that this medication may cause harm to a developing fetus. Tests have thus far been inconclusive to determine whether or not Glucotrol excretes through breast milk. Women who are pregnant, could become pregnant, or nursing should not take this medication.

Patients who are over the age of 65 generally require dosing adjustments. Patients in this category tend to have stronger reactions to the medication.

Patients should carefully follow dosing instructions. Missing a dose can cause complications caused by diabetes. In the event that a dose is missed, the patient should take the dose as soon as it is possible. However, the missed dose should be skipped if the next dose is nearing. Patients should never double up on their medication or take their doses too close together. This can cause an overdose.

An overdose can be quite serious and should be treated as a medical emergency. Patients experience an overdose are likely to present with symptoms which include nausea, hunger, sweating, anxiety, drowsiness, cold sweat, clammy skin, loss of consciousness, coma, or death.

Allergic reactions can be life threatening. Immediate intervention by a medical professional is necessary should a patient develop difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat.

Side effects associated with Glucotrol are most often a sign of blood sugar that is either too high or too low. Patients that experience pale skin, cold skin, headaches, shaking, cold sweats, difficulty concentrating, sudden fatigue, and anxiety are most likely suffering from low blood sugar. Patients that are experiencing an increase in thirst, hunger, and urination are most likely experiencing high blood sugar.

Fruit juices, candy, chocolate, milk, or glucose tablets can help with episodes of low blood sugar. Changes in blood sugar can be brought about by increased exercise, unusual changes in the amount of food consumed, illness, other medicines, and special conditions such as travel or stress. Patients should try to maintain as close to a regular routine as possible to help maintain their blood sugar levels.

Glucotrol can be sensitive to other medications and can interact poorly with some. Patients should always check with the prescribing physician before they take any additional medications (over the counter or prescription) or herbal remedies or vitamin supplements. Medications with a known history of interactions with Glucotrol include NSAID medications, prednisone or other steroids, aspirin, salicylates, phenytoin, weight loss medication, allergy medicine, cold remedies, diuretics, sulfa based drugs, phenothiazines, beta blockers, MAO inhibitors, isoniazide, and Pepto Bismol. Alcohol can seriously interfere with a patient’s blood sugar levels and their ability to control it with medication.