What is Glipizide: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow all the prescriber’s instructions. The prescriber will indicate how much to take and when.

Take the immediate-release tablet about 30 minutes before you eat a meal. The first dose should be taken 30 minutes before breakfast.

Take the extended-release tablet with breakfast, unless your doctor tells you differently.

Swallow the immediate-release tablet whole with a glass of water.

Immediate-release tablets are scored so they can be divided into two smaller doses.

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 at room temperature in a dry place.

If a dose of regular glipizide is missed, take it 30 minutes before your next meal.

If a dose of extended-release glipizide is missed, take it at the next meal.

Do not take a missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled.

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

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Healthcare professionals never prescribe glipizide to people with:

• Known allergies to the drug

• Type 1 diabetes

• Diabetic ketoacidosis

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking glipizide.

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

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

• Any past issue with diabetic ketoacidosis

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Chronic diarrhea

• Narrowing or blockage of the intestines due to surgery

• A hereditary disorder called G6PD deficiency

Glipizide can cause serious problems including:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

• Increased risk of heart problems

• Increased risk of blood vessel problems

Part of the extended-release tablet may pass in your stool. This is normal.

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you’re taking before starting glipizide.

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

Some drugs can cause high or low blood sugar when combined with glipizide. The prescriber may need to monitor blood glucose more carefully and sometimes adjust the glipizide dose. These include:

• Thiazide diuretics (drugs that make you pee)

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen

• Corticosteroids

• Phenothiazine drugs

• Estrogen hormones including hormonal birth control

• MAO inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Thyroid hormones

If you are also taking cholesterol medications called bile acid sequestrants, such as colesevelam or cholestyramine, take the dose at least four hours after you take glipizide.