Glucotrol
(glipizide)
Lowers blood sugar.
Our bottom line
Glucotrol (glipizide) is an effective medicine for lowering blood sugar, but it can cause your blood sugar level to be too low so you must always carry some form of sugar with you that can be readily used.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (glipizide)
Upsides
- Lowers A1c levels by 1-2%.
- Glucotrol (glipizide) is an oral medicine so it might be a good alternative for those who don't like injections.
- Protects your organs and blood vessels by preventing the harmful effects of high blood sugar levels.
- Okay to use by people with kidney problems.
- Available as a generic form and is relatively cheap.
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What to expect from Glucotrol, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
332Downsides
- Has a higher risk than other diabetes medicine for causing blood sugar levels to be too low.
- While taking Glucotrol (glipizide), your blood sugars should be checked 2 to 5 times a week, but less often once you are on a stable dose.
- Can cause mild weight gain of 2-3lb.
- Might lose its effectiveness over time.
- Needs to be taken 30 minutes before a meal for it to be most effective.
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What to expect from Glucotrol, on one page
Download Fact SheetGlucotrol (glipizide) stimulates your body to release insulin and lower blood sugar.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (glipizide)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Glucotrol (glipizide) for Type 2 diabetes
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar
- Passing gas
- Nausea
- Nervousness
Side effect rates for Glucotrol (glipizide)
- Dizziness7%7%
- Diarrhea5%5%
- Nervousness4%4%
- Tremor4%4%
- Low blood sugar3%3%
- Constipation3%3%
- Passing gas3%3%
- Nausea3%3%
- Headache2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Glucotrol.
People taking Glucotrol felt side effect more
People taking Glucotrol felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Glucotrol (glipizide)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Taking Glucotrol (glipizide) may increase your risk of death from heart problems when compared to other methods of controlling blood sugar, specifically with diet alone or diet and insulin. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking Glucotrol (glipizide) to decide if it is the right medicine for you.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats type 2 diabetes in adults.Common concerns from people taking Glucotrol (glipizide)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Glucotrol (glipizide).
- Eat regular and well-balanced meals to keep your blood sugar levels normal.
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Glucotrolon 7/14/2016If not taken half an hour before a meal with enough carbs, this med causes dangerously low blood levels in the 40's. Follow food recommendations exactly.67ManType 2 diabetes
- Can cause mild weight gain of 2-3lb.