What is Glipizide ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow all the prescriber’s instructions. 

Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with the medicine.

Take the extended-release tablet with breakfast or the first meal of the day unless the prescriber instructs otherwise.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Store glipizide tablets in the original container in a dry place at room temperature.

Ask the prescriber how to manage missed doses.

It’s likely you’ll be advised to take a missed dose at the next meal of the day.

Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose. Ask the prescriber what “almost time” specifically means.

Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not take it if you have had an allergic reaction to glipizide or have:

• Type 1 diabetes

• Diabetic ketoacidosis

Tell any doctor or other healthcare professional who treats you that you are taking extended-release glipizide.

The prescriber may need regular visits and blood tests to measure blood sugar and monitor for side effects. Keep all appointments.

Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Any history of diabetic ketoacidosis

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Chronic diarrhea

• Intestinal narrowing or blockage 

• A hereditary disorder called G6PD deficiency

Glipizide ER can cause serious problems, including:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

• Increased risk of heart problems

• Increased risk of blood vessel problems

The most common serious side effect of sulfonylurea drugs is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The prescriber will explain the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and how to manage low blood sugar. Follow these instructions.

Because of the risk of hypoglycemia, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in other potentially hazardous activities until you know how this drug affects you.

Women who are breastfeeding should monitor their child for signs of hypoglycemia.

The inert part of the tablet may be visible in your stools. Do not worry about this.

Tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you’re taking before starting glipizide ER, particularly:

• Other drugs that treat diabetes

• Salicylates such as aspirin 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen

• Corticosteroids

• Blood pressure drugs called ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, or beta blockers

• Diuretics (drugs that make you urinate)

• Cholesterol drugs called fibrates

• Sulfonamide or quinolone antibiotics

• Antiviral drugs called protease inhibitors

• Phenothiazine drugs

• MAO inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Birth control pills

• Estrogens

• Thyroid hormones

• Chloramphenicol, clonidine, danazol, disopyramide, fluconazole, fluoxetine, glucagon, isoniazid, miconazole, niacin, nicotinic acid, pentamidine, pentoxifylline, phenytoin, reserpine, somatropin, voriconazole

Tell other healthcare providers you are using glipizide ER before they prescribe new medications.

If you are also taking a cholesterol drug called colesevelam, take the dose at least four hours after you take glipizide.

Avoid alcohol when taking antidiabetic drugs because it can affect blood sugar levels.