Glucotrol, a sulfonylurea, is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by causing the pancreas to make more insulin and helping the cells respond better to this insulin. Glucotrol comes in tablet form, and is typically taken once or twice a day. Possible side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, and shakiness.
Glucotrol
® (
glipizide) is a prescription medication that is used to treat
type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent
diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). Glucotrol XL
® (glipizide extended release) tablets are also available. The extended release form of Glucotrol slowly releases the medication, providing a more even level of it in the blood.
Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL are made by Pfizer, Inc.
Generic Glucotrol is made by several manufacturers.
Glucotrol is part of a group of diabetes medications called sulfonylureas. A sulfonylurea such as Glucotrol helps the
pancreas make more insulin. It also helps the cells respond better to insulin. This, in turn, helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.
When and How to Take Glucotrol
General considerations for when and how to take Glucotrol include the following:
- Glucotrol comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth.
- Regular Glucotrol is usually taken once or twice a day. The regular form works best if taken 30 minutes before breakfast. Extended release Glucotrol is taken just once a day with breakfast.
- Swallow extended release Glucotrol tablets whole (do not crush, chew, or break them).
- Glucotrol should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For Glucotrol to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
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