Glipizide/Metformin (By mouth)
GLIP-i-zide, met-FOR-min hye-droe-KLOR-ide
Treats type 2 diabetes.
Drug classes
Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Glipizide and Metformin combination is used to treat high blood sugar levels that are caused by a type of diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes called type 2 diabetes. Normally, after you eat, your pancreas releases insulin to help your body store excess sugar for later use. This process occurs during normal digestion of food. In type 2 diabetes, your body does not work properly to store the excess sugar and the sugar remains in your bloodstream. Chronic high blood sugar can lead to serious health problems in the future. Proper diet is the first step in managing type 2 diabetes but often medicines are needed to help your body. With two actions, the combination of glipizide and metformin helps your body cope with high blood sugar. Glipizide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, directing your body to store blood sugar. Metformin has three different actions: it slows the absorption of sugar in your small intestine; it also stops your liver from converting stored sugar into blood sugar; and it helps your body use your natural insulin more efficiently.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how glipizide/metformin works. Tell your doctor if you are using aspirin, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, fluconazole, isoniazid, miconazole, niacin, phenytoin, probenecid, trimethoprim, vancomycin, blood pressure medicines, an NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, an MAO inhibitor, a sulfa medicine, estrogens, birth control pills, thyroid medicine, warfarin or another blood thinner, a diuretic (water pill), a steroid medicine, or a phenothiazine medicine.
If you are also taking colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours after you take glipizide/metformin.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to glipizide or metformin, or if you have kidney disease or metabolic acidosis.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart or blood vessel problems, congestive heart failure, adrenal or pituitary gland problems, or G6PD deficiency.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Lactic acidosis (rare, but serious) Higher risk of heart or blood vessel problems Low blood sugarMake sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using it before you have surgery, an X-ray, a CT scan, or other medical tests.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blurred vision, changes in vision
Confusion, fast heartbeat, increased hunger, shakiness, sweating
Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain or cramping
Trouble breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness
Unusual tiredness or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Metaglip
There may be other brand names for this medicine.