Glipizide: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Glipizide is a sulfonylurea medicine used to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, alongside diet and exercise. It helps the pancreas release insulin and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom; treatment is individualised, with blood glucose monitoring used to assess the response and identify the minimum effective dose.

Glipizide is indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve control of blood glucose, also called blood sugar. It is used alongside diet and exercise rather than replacing these measures. The label describes individual assessment of treatment response through blood glucose monitoring, with glycated haemoglobin measurements also potentially useful.

It also describes short-term treatment during a temporary loss of glucose control in people normally controlled well through diet. Glipizide is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Glipizide belongs to the sulfonylurea class of blood glucose-lowering medicines. These medicines act on insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, encouraging them to release insulin. Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into body tissues, where it can be used for energy, and helps reduce glucose production by the liver.

Because sulfonylureas increase insulin release, blood glucose can sometimes fall too low. This is called hypoglycaemia and is a key consideration when monitoring treatment.

The label lists oral tablets in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg, and extended-release tablets, including film-coated forms, in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg. The dosing regimen described below relates to standard tablets; treatment is individualised according to blood glucose response. The usual starting dose is 5 mg before breakfast.

The label lists a starting dose of 2.5 mg for older patients or those with liver disease. The label lists administration approximately 30 minutes before a meal. The label lists dosage adjustments in increments of 2.5 to 5 mg, with several days between adjustments.

The label lists a maximum recommended once-daily dose of 15 mg and a maximum recommended total daily dose of 40 mg. The label lists division of total daily doses above 15 mg before meals of adequate caloric content. Conservative initial and maintenance dosing is described for older, debilitated or malnourished patients and those with impaired kidney or liver function.

A missed dose may affect blood glucose control. A double dose should not be used to make up for a missed dose, because glipizide can cause hypoglycaemia. Advice from a pharmacist or prescriber is appropriate if the timing of the next dose or its relationship to meals is unclear.

There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of glipizide in pregnant women. Animal studies found fetal toxicity but no teratogenic effects in rats and rabbits. The label states that use during pregnancy should occur only when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, and notes that many experts recommend insulin during pregnancy.

Prolonged severe hypoglycaemia has been reported in newborns whose mothers received sulfonylureas at delivery. If glipizide is used during pregnancy, the label states that it should be discontinued at least one month before expected delivery. The label does not specify breastfeeding information; this should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.

The label specifies storage at 20° to 25°C in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure. Keep glipizide and all other medicines out of the reach of children.