Warnings & Recalls for Glucotrol
Pregnancy and Glucotrol
Glucotrol is listed as an
FDA pregnancy Category C medicine. It is
not known if Glucotrol may harm the fetus if taken by a woman who is pregnant. However, some diabetes drugs have been shown to cause
low blood sugar levels in newborns when taken during pregnancy. It is unknown if Glucotrol may pass through breast-milk or affect a nursing baby.
If you are
pregnant,
may become pregnant or
are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about risks and benefits of using Glucotrol before beginning treatment.
General Warnings
Patients who are
allergic to any ingredient in Glucotrol or are in a state of
diabetic ketoacidosis (when the body can no longer process sugars)
should not take this medicine. Before using Glucotrol as a treatment,
let your doctor know about any of the following conditions you may have:
- liver or kidney disease
- chronic or persistent diarrhea
- any blockage or clogging of the intestines
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrongenase deficiency (G6PD)
- pituitary or adrenal gland disorder or problems
- a medical history of heart disease
- if you are malnourished (not receiving the proper amount of nutrients)
Glucotrol may increase the risk of developing heart problems. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Glucotrol.
Glucotrol Interactions
Glucotrol may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about
any drugs you are using, you may be at risk for developing
high blood pressure if you combine Glucotrol with:
- tuberculosis medicines
- certain medications for treating mental illnesses
- diuretics
- steroids
- medicines for treating heart or blood pressure problems
- drugs for thyroid disorder
- hormonal pills
- contraceptives
- medicines for controlling seizures
- niacin
- treatments for breathing disorders
- allergy medicines
- dieting pills or pills for weightloss
When used with the following medicines, you may be at risk of low blood sugar levels while taking Glucotrol:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
- pain relievers
- other type 2 diabetes treatments
- MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
- sulfa drugs
- beta-blocker medicines
- certain anti-psychotic drugs
- anti-fungals
- medicines for treating gout
- blood thinners (including Warfarin)
Do not drink
alcohol while taking Glucotrol. Your
blood sugar level may be dangerously
decreased.
Glucotrol Treatment and Use
Glucotrol | Glipizide is a sulfonylureas medicine marketed by Pfizer for treating and controlling type 2 diabetes. Glucotrol has been available in America since its approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 1984. Glucotrol is used for maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar in the body.
Glucotrol is effective only when used with a proper diet and exercise program. Your doctor may require you to use other medicines along with Glucotrol for your type 2 diabetes treatment.
How Does Glucotrol Work?
Glucotrol stimulates production of insulin in the pancreas. Insulin in the body breaks down sugar, which leads to a decrease in sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes.
Glucotrol Dosage Information
Glucotrol comes in tablets (5mg and 10mg) and extended-release tablets(2.5, 5, and 10mg). Glucotrol is usually prescribed to be taken 30 minutes before eating each meal. Some patients may be advised to take Glucotrol once a day and should take one tablet 30 minutes before eating breakfast.
Do not chew or crush tablets. Tablets should be taken whole with a full glass of water.
Be sure to have your blood checked on a regular basis while taking Glucotrol. Watch for signs of high blood pressure or low blood pressure.
Follow all instructions given to you by doctor about how to treat type 2 diabetes. Adhere to any diet or exercise programs or medication treatments your doctor may have prescribed to you.