Glipizide: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It Safely
Glipizide is a prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar by making the body release more insulin and is used along with diet, exercise, and other diabetes medicines when appropriate.
Glipizide can effectively lower blood sugar, but it may cause low blood sugar, especially if you skip meals or take other diabetes medicines. Follow the prescribed dose, monitor your blood sugar, and ask your doctor or pharmacist before making changes.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BB07
- Generic
- Glipizide
- Class
- sulfonylurea
- Brands
- Glucotrol
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 4
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- blood-glucose
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily (before breakfast)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not recommended
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily (before breakfast)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesterdiscontinue before pregnancy, switch to insulin
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; insulin is preferred for glycemic control
regular fetal monitoring, maternal blood glucose monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesterdiscontinue, switch to insulin
discontinue sulfonylurea therapy; insulin recommended for diabetes management
fetal growth monitoring, regular glucose checks
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterdiscontinue before delivery
switch to insulin; avoid use near delivery
fetal monitoring, maternal hypoglycemia awareness
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
not recommendedavoid during breastfeeding
do not breastfeed while taking glipizide; consider alternative diabetes management
monitor infant for signs of hypoglycemia
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsstart with lowest effective dose, 2.5mg daily
use with caution due to increased hypoglycemia risk; monitor glucose closely
regular blood glucose monitoring, renal function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not approved for pediatric use
glipizide is not recommended for children or adolescents; insulin or other therapies preferred
not established for pediatric population
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateuse lower initial dose, monitor closely
use with caution; dose adjustment may be needed based on renal function
monitor renal function regularly, check blood glucose frequently
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid use or significantly reduce dose
not recommended in severe renal impairment; consider alternative therapy
frequent glucose monitoring if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse lower dose, start conservatively
use with caution; glipizide is metabolized in liver
monitor liver function and blood glucose
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Drug class
Therapeutic classification based on mechanism of action
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication for blood glucose management
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy