General information

Glucotrol Xl is an anti-diabetic drug (sulfonylurea-type) used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). It works by stimulating the release of your body's natural insulin. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Directions

Take Glucotrol Xl exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with breakfast. The recommended starting dose is 5 mg taken once daily. The dose may be increased, if necessary, to control blood sugar (up to 20 mg, taken once daily). Glucotrol Xl should be taken at the same time each day. Monitor blood glucose levels on a regular basis.

Precautions

Before taking Glucotrol Xl you should talk with your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, certain hormonal conditions, electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia), stomach or intestine problems. You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia.

Contraindications

Do not use Glucotrol Xl if you are allergic to glipizide, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, gas, headache, weight gain, sore throat, dark urine, unusual tiredness, weakness, mental or mood changes, swelling of the hands or feet, seizures, blurred vision, dizziness, shaking, rapid heart rate, increased urination, rapid breathing, rash, itching, swelling. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: diuretics, steroids (prednisone), phenothiazines (compazine), isoniazid, medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies, diet pills, seizure medicines (dilantin), birth control pills, thyroid medicine (synthroid), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, sulfa drugs (bactrim), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, beta-blockers (tenormin), fluconazole, probenecid, blood thinners (warfarin). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are blurred vision, seizure, extreme weakness, stomach pain, trouble speaking, tremors, sweating, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, loss of consciousness.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.