Glipizide

By Author: Rob Thomas
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Glipizide is a type of medication that is given to diabetics in the class of drugs deemed sulfonylurea. The drug will have the much desired effect of obstructing, to some extent, the potassium channels in the beta cells of the islets of langerhans. Consequently the actions produced by this medication will improve calcium levels which then increases more insulin from the beta cells.
It was put on the market in 1984. The pharmaceutical company Pfizer distributes the drug under the brand name Glucotrol in the United States. It is sold in doses of 5 and 10 milligrams. It is also sold under different generic names by other pharmaceutical companies world wide.

A Few Precautions
It is important that you let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions:
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Thyroid disease
Type 1 diabetes;
Any serious infection, disease, or injury.
Will go to surgery imminently.

If any of these situations apply to you, the doctor may decide not to prescribed glipizide. Additionally the dosage may be modified and/or the doctor may insist on close ...
... monitoring while you're being treated with the medication. Persons who are 65 years and older may also need alterations to the dosage amount.
It is not entirely known what effects glipizide may have on an unborn child. Subsequently if you are or may become pregnant tell your doctor; it is unlikely that you will be prescribed this medication.

Taking the Medication
Glipizide comes in tablets that will be administered orally. It is typically prescribed once a day, 30 minutes before the first meal of the day, preferably in the morning after breakfast. Ensure that you take the medication as indicated and ask your doctor or pharmacist to elucidate anything you do not entirely fathom about the dosage requirements. Be sure not to take above or below the amount that is prescribed. Taking too much may result in possible complications, while taking too little will cause the drug to be fairly ineffective.
The drug regimen must persist even if you are feeling better. If you stop unexpectedly this may disrupt the efficacy of treatment.

Side Effects
This medication may alter your blood sugar levels. You should be observant of the symptoms associated with high and low blood sugar (hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia) respectively, and ensure that in each situation you are able to manage the undesirable effects.
Your doctor will more than likely advise you what to do if you become hypoglycemic. It will be recommended that you check your blood sugar, consume or drink anything that contains sugar, for example, hard candy or fruit juice. Alternatively, you may need to get medical attention if the symptoms are not alleviated with standard measures. Some effects of hypoglycemia may include:
Sweating
Shakiness
Numbness or strange sensations in the mouth area
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Clumsy or jerky movements
Nervousness or irritability
Sudden alterations in behaviour or mood
Headache
Weakness
Pale skin
Hunger

Storage
The medication should be stored in the original container, firmly sealed and in an area away from children. It should be stored at room temperature and protected from extreme heat or cold. Dispose of any medication that has expired as it will no longer retain its useful properties.
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