What is Glucotrol?
Glucotrol (Glipizide) is a prescription diabetes treatment that helps patients to control the levels of blood sugar. The active ingredients of the pharmaceutical stimulate pancreas functioning, thus, boosted insulin production. As a result, you can get higher insulin levels in the organism and lower blood sugar range. The treatment is prescribed to patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. To achieve the maximal possible effect, the medication should be combined with a balanced diet, regular exercises, weight control and similar measures. Consult your healthcare provider in case you want to use Glucotrol off-label.
Taking Glucotrol to treat diabetes, one should remember about a drastic impact it produces on the organism. Thus, following the doctor’s directions is inevitable. Take Glucotrol right as prescribed by your healthcare provider without any changes or extra adjustments. Never use the treatment longer than recommended or in higher doses to avoid drug misuse or overuse.
Talk to your physician or healthcare provider before Glucotrol intake. Do not start the medication course if you are allergic to its active ingredient - Glipizide, or if you are currently in a diabetic ketoacidosis state. Besides, the treatment is not recommended for pregnant women, since it can cause dangerous side effects to an unborn child. Glucotrol can pass into breast milk leading to harmful impacts on a nursing child.
Glucotrol is a completely safe diabetes treatment if it is taken according to all the rules and instructions. However, combining the drug with other medications, you can witness numerous dangerous side effects. Glucotrol is reported to interact with: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications,Monoamine oxidase inhibitors,Azoles,Adrenergic blocking agents,Corticosteroids,Diuretics,Nitric acids and other treatments.
Provide your doctor with a complete list of health problems you have and pharmaceutical products you take to avoid Glucotrol misuse and related side effects, including:
Recommendations for Use
Glucotrol should be administered daily, half an hour before the meal. As you are supposed to take the medication once a day, use it in the morning, before breakfast. Glucotrol is available in the extended-release form that should be taken during breakfast. Never break, crush or chew an XL tablet, but swallow it whole instead. Hypoglycemia is the condition that can affect patients with diabetes. The condition may appear as a result of Glucotrol overuse, and its symptoms include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, agitation, irritability, headache and others. Call your doctor immediately in case you have noticed any of the signs. You will, probably, require emergency medical assistance.
On the other hand, hyperglycemia can also occur in case Glucotrol dose is insufficient for condition treatment and blood sugar level maintenance. Ask your doctor for an increased dose; though never change it on your own. Frequent blood tests may be required during Glucotrol treatment course to ensure the medication has a positive influence on the condition.
Precautions and Contraindications
Besides, provide your doctor with a full list of health complications you have to make sure Glucotrol will not interact with any, especially:
• Heart disorders;
• Severe enzyme deficiency;
• Kidney or liver disease;
• Intestinal blockage or chronic diarrhea, etc. Drug Interactions
Side Effects
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• Dizziness, drowsiness;
• Constipation, indigestion, stomach disorders;
• Easy bleeding;
• Confusion, fever, pale skin, etc.