Glipizide+metformin
About Glipizide+metformin
Glipizide+metformin belongs to the class of anti-diabetic drugs. It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels.
Glipizide+metformin contains Glipizide and Metformin. Glipizide promotes insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas and reduces the glucose output from the liver. Metformin reduces serum glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion.
Take Glipizide+metformin as prescribed by your doctor. The common side effects of Glipizide+metformin include low blood sugar, nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, headache, dizziness and blurred vision. Although not everyone experiences these side effects, if they occur, seek medical attention.
Before starting Glipizide+metformin, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of low haemoglobin levels, seizures (fits), heart, kidney, and liver diseases. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Glipizide+metformin
• Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Glipizide+metformin is primarily used to help control blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Weight Management: In some cases, Glipizide+metformin may assist with weight management in diabetic patients by helping to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce hunger cravings.
• Reduction of Complications: By maintaining stable blood glucose levels, Glipizide+metformin may help reduce the risk of complications related to diabetes, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and kidney damage.
• Improvement of Insulin Sensitivity: Glipizide+metformin may improve insulin sensitivity in patients, thereby aiding in the effective utilization of glucose by the cells, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels and metabolic health.
Medicinal Benefits
- Glipizide+metformin helps effectively control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- It improves insulin sensitivity in muscle, fat, and liver cells, helping to better glucose utilisation.
- Glipizide+metformin helps maintain stable blood glucose levels throughout the day.
- It helps reduce the risk of long-term diabetes complications such as nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease.
- Glipizide+metformin supports overall metabolic health when used along with a proper diet and regular exercise.
Directions for Use
- Take Glipizide+metformin with meals or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow Glipizide+metformin as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Glipizide+metformin
- Low blood sugar levels
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Cold sweats
- Stomach pain
- Weight gain
- Swelling
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Glipizide+metformin if you are allergic to any of its components.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney or heart problems.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of low blood glucose.
- Glipizide+metformin has an increased risk of lactic acidosis (lactic acidosis is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood). Seek medical attention if you experience weakness, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort, feeling cold, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, or suddenly developing a slow or irregular heartbeat.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Glipizide+metformin may interact with certain medicines and either increase side effects or affect blood sugar control. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Antibiotic (Gatifloxacin)
• Potential effect: May affect blood glucose levels. - Diagnostic agents (Iopromide, Iopamidol)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of side effects.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Tell your doctor before taking Glipizide+metformin if you have any of these conditions.
- Renal dysfunction
- Liver disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Glipizide+metformin as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (accumulation of lactic acid in the body).
Pregnancy
cautionGlipizide+metformin may affect the fetus during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before starting Glipizide+metformin.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is no sufficient data on how Glipizide+metformin affects breastfeeding. It is safe to seek medical advice before you start Glipizide+metformin if you are lactating.
Driving
cautionYour driving may be affected if your blood sugar levels are too high or too low. Do not drive or operate machinery if you may experience dizziness or drowsiness.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment when you are prescribed Glipizide+metformin.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases when you are prescribed Glipizide+metformin.
Children
cautionPlease seek advice from a doctor before giving Glipizide+metformin to a child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Healthy Eating Habits:
- Follow a balanced diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Limit intake of sugary foods, sweets, and sweetened beverages to maintain blood glucose control.
- Eat meals at regular intervals to prevent sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
- Choose foods with a low glycaemic index whenever possible.
Physical Activity and Weight Management:
- Engage in regular physical activity such as walking, yoga, or light exercise.
- Maintain a healthy body weight to improve insulin sensitivity.
Lifestyle and Daily Care:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule and manage stress effectively.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Glipizide+metformin to monitor blood sugar levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetes mellitus, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is a type 2 diabetes and occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant to breaking down glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance) or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produces little or no insulin at all. This disease mostly occurs in people aged above 40 years, but can also occur in childhood, based on the risk factors. The treatment includes oral glucose-lowering medicines and insulin shots.
FAQs
Glipizide+metformin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Glipizide+metformin promotes insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas and reduces the glucose output from the liver. It works by reducing the sugar production by cells in the liver and delaying sugar absorption from the intestines.
You are not recommended to stop taking Glipizide+metformin on your own, as discontinuing Glipizide+metformin suddenly may cause recurring symptoms or worsen the condition. However, if you experience any difficulty while taking Glipizide+metformin, please consult your doctor so that alternative medicine may be prescribed.
In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin as the islet cells (insulin-producing cells) in the pancreas are destroyed completely. In type 2 diabetes, though islet cells are working, the body does not respond to insulin as the body becomes resistant to insulin.
Glipizide+metformin may increase the risk of low blood sugar levels, especially with alcohol intake, exercise more than usual, and delay or miss snacks or meals. However, if you experience any signs of low blood pressure, such as dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, dehydration or fainting, please consult a doctor.
Take Glipizide+metformin as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew it.
Glipizide+metformin should be taken preferably with a meal, as it lowers the blood sugar levels and causes gastrointestinal side effects. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Glipizide+metformin contains two anti-diabetic drugs, namely Glipizide and Metformin, as its active ingredients.
Glipizide+metformin may cause side effects such as low blood sugar, nausea, indigestion, headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, or blurred vision. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Yes, the use of Glipizide+metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include hunger, dizziness, sweating, headache, nausea, irritability, fast heart rate and feeling anxious or shaky. It occurs more frequently if you miss or delay meals, over-exercise, drink alcohol, or take other antidiabetic medication along with it. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor blood sugar levels. Always carry some fruit juice, honey or glucose tablets with you.
Yes, the use of Glipizide+metformin can cause lactic acidosis. It is a medical emergency which occurs due to increased levels of lactic acid in the blood. It is also known as MALA (Metformin associated lactic acidosis). It is a rare side effect associated with the metformin and thus, it is contraindicated in patients with underlying kidney disease, elderly patients or who consume large amounts of alcohol. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include muscle pain or weakness, feeling of cold in arms and legs, dizziness, tiredness, difficulty in breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or slow heart rate. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking Glipizide+metformin and consult your doctor immediately.
Yes, long term use of Glipizide+metformin can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency. It interferes with absorption of Vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause nerve problems and anemia and the patient may feel numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet, urinary problems, weakness, change in mental status and difficulty in maintaining balance (ataxia). To prevent such problems, some researchers recommend an intake of Vitamin B12 from external sources at least once a year.
Glipizide+metformin is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to any of its components or excipients. Also, it should be avoided in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease and in patients with underlying metabolic acidosis including diabetic ketoacidosis.
No, you are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Glipizide+metformin, as it may lower blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Store Glipizide+metformin at room temperature protected from moisture. Keep it out of reach of children.
It is recommended to take a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy before taking Glipizide+metformin.
Glipizide+metformin overdose can result in serious complications such as hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or lactic acidosis. Hence, if you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
No, do not split or crush Glipizide+metformin. Swallow it as whole with a glass of water.
