Glucotrol Xl
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
2.5mg · 5mg · 10mg
Glipizide extended-release tablets for type 2 diabetes. The prolonged release keeps the pancreas nudged to make insulin steadily, rather than in one short burst.
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Glipizide
One product sits on this shelf: Glucotrol Xl, an extended-release tablet of glipizide, a sulfonylurea that lowers blood glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It comes in 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg strengths.
Key points
- People with G6PD deficiency are at risk of haemolytic anaemia when treated with glipizide or any sulfonylurea, and a non-sulfonylurea alternative should be considered for this group.
- All sulfonylureas, including glipizide, can produce severe hypoglycaemia. The risk rises when calorie intake is low, after prolonged exercise, when alcohol is taken, or when more than one glucose-lowering medicine is used.
- The extended-release tablet does not dissolve in the gut, so it is avoided in people with severe gastrointestinal narrowing from disease or an earlier procedure.
How does Glipizide work?
Glipizide prompts the pancreas to release more insulin after a meal. It acts on the insulin-producing beta cells, triggering them to let go of stored insulin. Because this depends on those cells still functioning, glipizide is not used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
The after-meal response is what matters most. Fasting insulin levels stay roughly the same even after months of treatment, but the surge that follows eating remains enhanced. That is why the label describes glipizide as an addition to diet and exercise within Diabetes Management, not a substitute for them.
Further reading
What is glipizide used for?
Glipizide is used to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used in addition to diet and exercise, not as a substitute for them.
How does glipizide lower blood sugar?
Glipizide prompts the pancreas to release more insulin after a meal by acting on the insulin-producing beta cells. This effect depends on those cells still working, so it is not used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
How long does glipizide take to work?
Glipizide starts to work within 1 to 3 hours and its effect lasts 24 hours.
What side effects can glipizide cause?
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness and headache. Glipizide can also cause hypoglycaemia, weight gain and flatulence, and serious side effects include severe hypoglycaemia and haemolytic anaemia, which require immediate medical attention. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any side effects.
Can I drink alcohol while taking glipizide?
Drinking alcohol with glipizide can raise the risk of severe hypoglycaemia.
What glipizide products are available?
On Direct Meds, glipizide comes as Glucotrol Xl. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
What does glipizide cost in rand?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Do I need a prescription for glipizide in South Africa?
No, not online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order glipizide. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Where can I buy glipizide in South Africa?
On Direct Meds: choose the product, strength and pack, then check out. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →