Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved glipizide oral tablets to manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug is used together with diet and exercise.
This article describes the possible side effects of glipizide oral tablets. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for glipizide.
Glipizide oral tablet is a generic medication. It doesn’t come in a brand-name version. Glipizide extended-release (ER) oral tablet is a generic version of Glucotrol XL. Both generic medications are described in this article.
You can explore this overview article to learn more about glipizide oral tablets, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.
More common side effects of glipizide
Glipizide oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of glipizide oral tablet and glipizide extended-release oral tablet include:
- diarrhea
- tremor*
- nervousness*
- dizziness
- nausea†
- mild or severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)†
* In studies, this side effect was reported only in people taking glipizide extended-release oral tablet.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of glipizide in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of glipizide
Glipizide may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects that occurred in studies of glipizide oral tablet and glipizide extended-release oral tablet include:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
- indigestion
- rash
- weight gain
- dizziness
- nervousness*
- headache
- tremor*
- nausea†
- mild hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)†
- mild allergic reaction†
* In studies, this side effect was reported only in people taking glipizide extended-release oral tablet.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of glipizide in detail” section below.
Glipizide oral tablets may cause other mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the prescribing information for glipizide oral tablet and glipizide extended-release oral tablet.
Serious side effects of glipizide
Glipizide may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from glipizide oral tablets, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911, or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with glipizide oral tablets.
Serious side effects that occurred in studies of glipizide oral tablet and glipizide extended-release oral tablet include:
- liver problems
- syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
- severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)*
- severe allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of glipizide in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of glipizide
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of glipizide oral tablets. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If I stop taking glipizide 5-mg tablets, will I experience certain side effects?
Maybe. You may experience hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you stop taking glipizide. Keep in mind, glipizide is prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Hyperglycemia is a possible side effect of stopping any medication that helps manage blood sugar. With glipizide oral tablets, this side effect can occur if you stop taking a dose of 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, or 10 mg.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia include:
- increased hunger
- increased thirst
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- slow wound healing
- weakness
Talk with your doctor before decreasing doses or stopping any medications. Do not stop taking glipizide unless your doctor recommends it. If a medication is causing side effects, your doctor may suggest other treatment options.
Will older adults experience different side effects of glipizide than younger adults?
No, older adults will not experience different side effects. However, older adults may be at higher risk for side effects from glipizide. Older adults generally refers to people ages 65 years and older.
Your body relies on your liver and kidneys to metabolize (break down and clear) glipizide. Older adults sometimes have decreased liver and kidney function, so glipizide can build up in the body.
More glipizide in the blood can lead to side effects from the drug. Due to this risk, doctors usually start by prescribing a 2.5-milligram (mg) dose of glipizide for older adults. Doctors will monitor for side effects and increase the dose slowly.
If you have questions about your risk of side effects from glipizide given your age, talk with your doctor.
Can I take glipizide with metformin? If so, does taking them together cause different side effects?
Yes, glipizide and metformin are often taken together. Metaglip is a combination drug that contains both glipizide and metformin.
Some side effects of metformin and glipizide are the same, such as constipation and gas. Other side effects only happen with metformin, such as lactic acidosis. Learn more about metformin’s side effects in this article.
You may take more than one medication for diabetes. Talk with your doctor about whether a combination of drugs will work best for you.
Is weight gain or weight loss a side effect of glipizide?
Maybe. Weight gain is a possible side effect of glipizide. Dizziness, another side effect of glipizide, could make it difficult to exercise. And this could also lead to weight gain.
However, some side effects of glipizide could lead to weight loss. For example, vomiting and nausea could lead to decreased appetite and eating less.
Talk with your doctor about ways to maintain a body weight that’s healthy for you.
How do side effects of glipizide ER oral tablet compare with the drug’s other form?
Side effects are similar with both forms of glipizide. Glipizide comes as an immediate-release (IR) oral tablet and an extended-release (ER) oral tablet.
For example, side effects for both forms include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of glipizide in detail” section below.
The differences between side effects are related to how the extended-release form acts in the body. The ER tablet is taken once in the morning and releases the drug slowly over time. The IR tablet, on the other hand, releases the entire glipizide dose at once. Compared to the IR tablet, the ER tablet is:
- more likely to get stuck in a narrowing of the bowel
- less likely to cause low blood sugar overnight
Talk with your doctor about ways to manage side effects of the different forms of glipizide.
Does glipizide cause long-term side effects?
Sometimes. Most glipizide side effects can be managed or will resolve on their own if you stop taking the drug. However, some serious side effects of glipizide can have long-term effects.
Long-term side effects could mean side effects that start during treatment or after treatment ends. They can last a long time, such as a few months or years.
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is a rare but serious side effect of glipizide. It can start during glipizide treatment and can require long-term treatment. However, the condition may also go away if you stop taking glipizide.
If you’d like to know more about the long-term side effects of glipizide, talk with your doctor.
Coupon for glipizide
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for glipizide when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Side effects of glipizide in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of glipizide oral tablets.
Hypoglycemia
Glipizide lowers your blood sugar. Hypoglycemia was a common side effect reported in studies of glipizide oral tablet and glipizide extended-release oral tablet. With this condition, blood sugar is too low.
Low blood sugar is typically defined as less than 70 milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL). But your normal blood sugar range may be specific to your body. Talk with your doctor about how low is too low for your blood sugar.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- hunger
- fast heart rate
- shakiness
- irritability
- fatigue (low energy)
- sweating
- difficulty concentrating
By keeping a symptom journal, you can track how your body responds to low blood sugar. This can help you quickly recognize the symptoms when it happens.
Ways to manage
There are ways to help avoid hypoglycemia and manage it if it occurs.
Ways to help prevent hypoglycemia include:
- consistently monitoring your blood sugar levels at regular times that work for your lifestyle
- avoiding skipping meals and snacks
- avoiding alcohol consumption, if applicable
- asking your doctor whether any other medications you take cause low blood sugar
- talking with your doctor about ways to avoid low blood sugar levels while you sleep
If you have a low blood sugar reading on your blood glucose monitor, follow these steps:
- Consume 15 grams (g) to 20 g of glucose (a type of sugar), such as by:
- drinking ½ cup of juice or non-diet soda
- taking 3 to 4 glucose tablets
- eating 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
- Check your blood sugar level 15 minutes after consuming the glucose.
- If your level is not above 70 mg/dL, consume another 15 g to 20 g of glucose. Repeat these steps until your glucose is above 70 mg/dL.
- Eat a full meal or a small snack if your next meal is over an hour away.
Talk with your doctor about rescue medication, such as glucagon, that can be used for low blood sugar emergencies.
Very low blood sugar is a medical emergency, and it may need to be treated in a hospital. If you’re with someone unconscious from low blood sugar, seek emergency medical attention right away.
Nausea
Nausea was a common side effect reported in studies of glipizide oral tablet and glipizide extended-release oral tablet. When you feel nauseous, it can be hard to eat or concentrate. Nausea from glipizide is usually mild and temporary.
Ways to manage
Nausea might go away on its own in a few days. If you have mild nausea, there are several ways to treat it. They include:
- Eat a simple, bland diet.
- Take an over-the-counter nausea medication, if your doctor or pharmacist says it’s appropriate for you to do so.
- Avoid other things that worsen nausea, such as unpleasant smells.
If your nausea lasts for more than a few days or prevents you from eating, talk with your doctor. They may have suggestions on ways to manage it.
If nausea is difficult to manage, your doctor may prescribe a medication other than glipizide.
Allergic reaction
Studies of glipizide oral tablet and glipizide extended-release oral tablet showed that for some people, glipizide can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to glipizide oral tablets, your doctor may recommend that you take a different medication instead.
