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Overview: Glipizide is used to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by helping your pancreas release more insulin, which lowers the amount of sugar in your blood. The most common side effects include low blood sugar and weight gain. Take glipizide as directed by your health care provider, and do not skip meals because this can increase your risk of low blood sugar. Tell your health care provider if you have frequent episodes of low blood sugar or if your blood sugar is not well controlled while taking glipizide.

Uses

What is glipizide used for?

Glipizide is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Glipizide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does glipizide work (mechanism of action)?

Glipizide helps to increase your body’s insulin levels. Insulin is released from your pancreas. It is a hormone that helps your body use blood sugar (glucose) as a source of energy.

How is glipizide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Glucotrol
  • Glucotrol XL

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg extended-release oral tablets
  • 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg oral tablets

How should I store glipizide?

Glipizide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of glipizide?

The most common side effects of glipizide are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of glipizide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of glipizide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of glipizide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Glipizide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking glipizide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Glipizide can cause low blood sugar, which can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Do not take glipizide and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.

  • Headache
  • Crankiness or anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Blurry vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Feeling jittery or shakiness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use glipizide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take glipizide.

  • Glipizide
  • Glucotrol
  • Glucotrol XL
  • Any other medicine containing glipizide
  • Any other medicine known as a sulfonamide 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific glipizide products they stock.

Type 1 Diabetes. Glipizide is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Glipizide is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

What should I know about glipizide before using it?

Do not take glipizide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share glipizide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep glipizide out of the reach of children.

If you take glipizide extended-release tablets, you may notice something in your stool (poop) that looks like the tablet. This is normal and should not cause concern.

Do not chew, cut, or crush glipizide extended-release tablets. Swallow whole.

Certain conditions that cause increased stress on your body, like fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery can change the amount of diabetes medicines you need to take to control your diabetes. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of these conditions to decide if your medicine needs to be changed.

Talk to your health care provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems.     

People who are 65 years or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from glipizide. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Glipizide can affect your alertness or coordination, especially if your blood sugar drops too low. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how glipizide affects you.

Take glipizide tablets 30 minutes before breakfast (or your first meal of the day). Take extended-release glipizide tabletswith breakfast (or your first meal of the day). 

Glipizide can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

What should I tell my health care provider before using glipizide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if glipizide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Glipizide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking glipizide, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how glipizide could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take glipizide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if glipizide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take glipizide while breastfeeding. 

Interactions

Does glipizide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between glipizide and foods or drinks. However, your risk of low blood sugar may be increased if you take glipizide without eating.

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking glipizide. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of side effects, including low blood sugar.

Does glipizide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking glipizide.

  • Some medicines used for fungal infections, such as fluconazole (Diflucan) and miconazole (Oravig)
  • Colesevelam (Welchol), a medicine used for high cholesterol
  • A GLP-1 medicine, such as liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) or semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), which is a medicine used for diabetes or weight loss
  • Insulin or other medicines for diabetes

Many other medicines can increase your blood sugar and can interfere with the effect of glipizide. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider before starting or stopping other medicines while taking glipizide. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely during these times.

Some medicines can lower your blood sugar and can add to the effect of glipizide. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider before starting or stopping other medicines while taking glipizide. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely or lower your dose of glipizide during these times.

Some medicines may make it hard to notice signs of low blood sugar. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely if you take any of these medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with glipizide. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much glipizide?

If you or someone else has taken too much glipizide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of glipizide?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with food (glipizide extended-release tablets) or 30 minutes before eating (glipizide tablets). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Glipizide needs to be taken with food or before eating to reduce your risk of low blood sugar.