Glipizide - By: Marcia McWhite

Glipizide is a drug that is prescribed for diabetics in the class of drugs known as sulfonylurea. The drug will have the much desired effect of hindering, to some extent, the potassium channels in the beta cells of the islets of langerhans. Effectively the actions produced by this medication will increase calcium which ultimately 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 wise 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 immediately.

If any of these situations apply to you, the doctor may desist from prescribing glipizide. Additionally the dosage may be changed 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 modifications to the dosage amount.

It is not completely known what effects glipizide may have on an unborn child. Consequently if you are or may become pregnant tell your doctor; it is highly improbable that you will be prescribed this medication.

Taking the Medication

Glipizide comes in tablets that will be administered orally. It is normally prescribed once a day, 30 minutes before the first meal of the day, preferably in the morning after breakfast. Make sure that you take the medication as indicated and ask your doctor or pharmacist to elucidate anything you do not comprehend about the dosage requirements. Be sure not to take above or below the amount that is prescribed. Taking too much may lead to 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 make certain that in each situation you are able to manage the unwanted effects.

Your doctor will more than likely advise you what to do if you become hypoglycemic. It will be advised that you check your blood sugar, consume or drink anything that contains sugar, for example, hard candy or fruit juice. Additionally, you may need to get medical attention if the symptoms are not alleviated with regular 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 kept at room temperature and free from extreme heat or cold. Get rid of any medication that has expired as it will no longer maintain its useful properties.

About the Author

Please visit this link for more information on the drug, Glipizide: Glipizide and this link for the drug, Fexofenadine:Fexofenadine

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