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Medically Approved

Glucotrol XL dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthsDosageFAQHow it’s takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctor
Doctors prescribe Glucotrol XL to help manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. You take it by mouth once per day.
Medically reviewed by Christina Bookwalter PharmD, MS MEd, BCPS, BCACP
Updated on

This article describes Glucotrol XL’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Glucotrol XL. If you want to know more about Glucotrol XL, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Glucotrol XL is a brand-name medication that comes as an extended-release (ER) oral tablet. “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time. Glucotrol XL is available in a generic version called glipizide ER. This article describes dosages of Glucotrol XL.

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Form and strengths of Glucotrol XL

Glucotrol XL comes as follows:

  • Form: oral ER tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strengths: 2.5 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 10 mg

Dosage of Glucotrol XL

This article describes the recommended dosages for Glucotrol XL. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Glucotrol XL without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of Glucotrol XL in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Glucotrol XL. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Glucotrol XL that gives the desired outcome.

Condition/PurposeStarting dosageMaintenance dosageMaximum dosage
type 2 diabetes5 mg once per daybased on individual needs20 mg once per day

In certain situations, your doctor might choose to start your treatment at a lower dosage of 2.5 mg once per day. Some reasons your doctor might start you at a lower dose include your risk for low blood sugar, your age, or your liver function.

Dosage adjustments for Glucotrol XL

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Glucotrol XL based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • how well your liver works
  • other health conditions you may have
  • taking other medications that may interact with Glucotrol XL

Missed dose of Glucotrol XL

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Glucotrol XL. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Glucotrol XL and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Glucotrol XL and its dosage.

Can I take Glucotrol XL twice per day?

No, Glucotrol XL typically isn’t taken twice per day. It’s an ER tablet. It’s designed to release medication slowly over 24 hours. This is why Glucotrol XL is only recommended to be taken once per day.

If you have questions about how often you should take Glucotrol XL, talk with your doctor.

Is Glucotrol XL taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe Glucotrol XL as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take Glucotrol XL, talk with your doctor.

How Glucotrol XL is taken

You’ll swallow Glucotrol XL by mouth once per day.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively. It’s recommended that you take Glucotrol XL with breakfast or your first main meal of the day.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of Glucotrol XL

It’s important that you do not take more Glucotrol XL than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Glucotrol XL overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much Glucotrol XL

If you think you’ve taken too much Glucotrol XL, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Glucotrol XL. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Glucotrol XL without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Glucotrol XL exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • How often will my dosage of Glucotrol XL be adjusted?
  • If I begin experiencing side effects, will you change my dosage of Glucotrol XL?
  • What determines whether my dosage of Glucotrol XL is right for my type 2 diabetes?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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