Known brand names include Glucotrol.
A sulfonylurea pill for type 2 diabetes, taken about 30 minutes before a meal along with diet and exercise. It lowers blood sugar by making the pancreas release more insulin, so low blood sugar is its main risk.
High-alert medication. Oral sulfonylureas, including glipizide, are on the ISMP acute care high-alert list.
Sources: [1]
The label does not describe a narrow therapeutic index or direct dosing by measured blood levels of the drug.
Sources: [1]
None on the current label. A special warning in the Warnings section describes possible increased cardiovascular mortality with oral sulfonylureas.
Hypoglycemia: oral glucose for mild episodes without loss of consciousness. Coma or seizures: rapid IV 50% glucose, then a continuous 10% glucose infusion to keep glucose above 100 mg/dL. Monitor for at least 24 to 48 hours, because hypoglycemia can recur. Dialysis is unlikely to help because the drug is highly protein bound.
Sources: [1]
Doses come from the FDA label. Study tool, not for clinical decisions.
Sources: [1]
No set adjustment. Clearance may be slowed and hypoglycemia can be prolonged, so start and maintain conservatively.
A sulfonylurea that lowers glucose mainly by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, so it depends on functioning beta cells. The meal-time insulin response stays enhanced with long-term use, while fasting insulin does not rise. Extrapancreatic effects may contribute. Peak levels come 1 to 3 hours after a dose and the half-life is 2 to 4 hours, though glucose control can last up to 24 hours; the liver metabolizes it to inactive products.