NZ Formulary

Glipizide

glip-ih-zide

What does it do?

Glipizide lowers blood sugar by increasing the amount of insulin produced by your body. It is used to treat diabetes.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, or G6PD deficiency.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take glipizide regularly as directed with a glass of water, preferably at the start of a meal.

What if you forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of glipizide do not take it later. Skip the missed dose and continue as directed. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with glipizide including:

  • aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief)
  • miconazole oral gel (e.g. Daktarin Oral Gel®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Low blood sugar (hypo): symptoms may include sweating, trembling, feeling anxious or irritable

Drink or eat something sweet. Tell your health professional if this happens a lot or is severe.

Skin rash, itching

Tell your doctor

Stomach upset, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Important information continues on next page.

Other information:

  • Tell your doctor if you develop a severe illness (e.g. high fever, lung infection, vomiting or diarrhoea).
  • Test your blood sugar as directed by your health professional.
  • Limit alcohol intake as it may alter your blood sugar and increase your risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).