Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Glipizide
- Drug class
- Sulfonylurea
- Form
- Tablet, extended release
- Strength
- Glipizide 10MG · Glipizide 2.5MG · Glipizide 5MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Manufacturer
- Pfizer
- Half-life
- about 2 to 4 hours (how long it stays in your system)
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$1.41 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA020329
What is Glucotrol XL?
From the FDA label:GLUCOTROL XL (glipizide) is an oral sulfonylurea. The Chemical Abstracts name of glipizide is 1-cyclohexyl-3-[[p-[2-(5-methylpyrazinecarboxamido)ethyl] phenyl]sulfonyl]urea. The molecular formula is C 21 H 27 N 5 O 4 S; the molecular weight is 445.55; the structural formula is shown below: Glipizide is a whitish, odorless powder with a pKa of 5.9. It is insoluble in water and alcohols, but soluble in 0.1 N NaOH; it is freely soluble in dimethylformamide. Each tablet contains 2.75 mg glipizide to provide a 2.5 mg dose. Each tablet contains 5.49 mg glipizide to provide a 5 mg dose. Each tablet contains 10.98 mg glipizide to provide a 10 mg dose. Inert ingredients in the 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg formulations are: polyethylene oxide, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, sodium chloride, red ferric oxide, cellulose acetate, polyethylene glycol, Opadry ® blue (OY-LS-20921)(2.5 mg tablets), Opadry ® white (YS-2-7063)(5 mg and 10 mg tablet) and Opacode ® Black Ink (S-1-17823). System Components and Performance GLUCOTROL XL Extended Release Tablet is similar in appearance to a conventional tablet. It consists, however, of an osmotically active drug core surrounded by a semipermeable membrane. The core itself is divided into two layers: an "active" layer containing the drug, and a "push" layer containing pharmacologically inert (but osmotically active) components. The membrane surrounding…
How to use
▪ Recommended starting dose is 5 mg once daily. Dose adjustment can be made based on the patient's glycemic control. Maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once daily ( 2.1 ). ▪ Administer with breakfast or the first meal of the day ( 2.1 ). ▪ For combination therapy with other blood-glucose-lowering agents, initiate the agent at the lowest recommended dose, and observe patients for hypoglycemia ( 2.2 ). 2.1 Recommended Dosing GLUCOTROL XL should be administered orally with breakfast or the first main meal of the day. The recommended starting dose of GLUCOTROL XL is 5 mg once daily. Start patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia (e.g. the elderly or patients with hepatic insufficiency) at 2.5 mg [see Use in Specific Population (8.5 , 8.6) ] . Dosage adjustment can be made based on the patient's glycemic control. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once daily. Patients receiving immediate release glipizide may be switched to GLUCOTROL XL once daily at the nearest equivalent total daily dose. 2.2 Use with Other Glucose Lowering Agents When adding GLUCOTROL XL to other anti-diabetic drugs, initiate GLUCOTROL XL at 5 mg once daily. Start patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia at a lower dose. When colesevelam is coadministered with glipizide ER, maximum plasma concentration and total exposure to glipizide is reduced. Therefore, GLUCOTROL XL should be administered at least 4…
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail below and elsewhere in the labeling: • Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Hemolytic anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 3%) are dizziness, diarrhea, nervousness, tremor, hypoglycemia and flatulence ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer, Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In clinical trials, 580 patients from 31 to 87 years of age received GLUCOTROL XL in doses from 5 mg to 60 mg in both controlled and open trials. The dosages above 20 mg are not recommended dosages. In these trials, approximately 180 patients were treated with GLUCOTROL XL for at least 6 months. Table 1 summarizes the incidence of adverse reactions, other than hypoglycemia, that were reported in pooled double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in ≥3% of GLUCOTROL XL-treated patients and more commonly than in patients who received placebo. Table 1: Incidence (%) of Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥3% of Patients Treated in…
Warnings
Important safety information
▪ Hypoglycemia: May be severe. Ensure proper patient selection, dosing, and instructions, particularly in at-risk populations (e.g., elderly, renally impaired) and when used with other anti-diabetic medications ( 5.1 ). ▪ Hemolytic Anemia: Can occur if glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient. Consider a non-sulfonylurea alternative ( 5.2 ). ▪ Potential Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality with Sulfonylureas: Inform patient of risks, benefits and treatment alternatives ( 5.3 ). ▪ Macrovascular Outcomes: No clinical studies have established conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with GLUCOTROL XL or any other anti-diabetic drug ( 5.4 ). 5.1 Hypoglycemia All sulfonylurea drugs, including GLUCOTROL XL, are capable of producing severe hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Concomitant use of GLUCOTROL XL with other anti-diabetic medication can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. A lower dose of GLUCOTROL XL may be required to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia when combining it with other anti-diabetic medications. Educate patients to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. When initiating and increasing GLUCOTROL XL in patients who may be predisposed to hypoglycemia (e.g., the elderly, patients with renal impairment, patients on other anti-diabetic medications) start at 2.5 mg. Debilitated or malnourished patients, and those with adrenal, pituitary, or hepatic impairment are particularly susceptible to the hypoglycemic action of anti-diabetic medications. Hypoglycemia is also more likely to occur when caloric intake is deficient, after severe or prolonged exercise, or when alcohol is ingested. The patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycemia. Early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may be different or less pronounced in patients with autonomic neuropathy, the elderly, and in patients who are taking beta-adrenergic blocking medications or other sympatholytic agents. These situations may result in severe hypoglycemia before the patient is aware of the hypoglycemia . These impairments may present a risk in situations where these abilities are especially important, such as driving or operating other machinery. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness or convulsions and may result in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function or death. 5.2 Hemolytic Anemia Treatment of patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency with sulfonylurea agents, including GLUCOTROL XL, can lead to hemolytic anemia. Avoid use of GLUCOTROL XL in patients with G6PD deficiency. In post marketing reports, hemolytic anemia has also been reported in patients who did not have known G6PD deficiency. 5.3 Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality with Sulfonylureas The administration of oral hypoglycemic drugs has been reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality as compared to treatment with diet alone or diet plus insulin. This warning is based on the study conducted by the University Group Diabetes Program (UGDP), a long-term prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of glucose-lowering drugs in preventing or delaying vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study involved 823 patients who were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. UGDP reported that patients treated for 5 to 8 years with diet plus a fixed dose of tolbutamide (1.5 grams per day) had a rate of cardiovascular mortality approximately 2½ times that of patients treated with diet alone. A significant increase in total mortality was not observed, but the use of tolbutamide was discontinued based on the increase in cardiovascular mortality, thus limiting the opportunity for the study to show an increase in overall mortality. Despite controversy regarding the interpretation of these results, the findings of the UGDP study provide an adequate basis for this warning. The patient should be informed of the potential risks and advantages of glipizide and of alternative modes of therapy. Although only one drug in the sulfonylurea class (tolbutamide) was included in this study, it is prudent from a safety standpoint to consider that this warning may also apply to other oral hypoglycemic drugs in this class, in view of their close similarities in mode of action and chemical structure. 5.4 Macrovascular Outcomes There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with GLUCOTROL XL or any other anti-diabetic drug. 5.5 Gastrointestinal Obstruction There have been reports of obstructive symptoms in patients with known strictures in association with the ingestion of another drug with this non-dissolvable extended release formulation. Avoid use of GLUCOTROL XL in patients with preexisting severe gastrointestinal narrowing (pathologic or iatrogenic).
Who should not take Glucotrol XL
Glipizide is contraindicated in patients with: • Known hypersensitivity to glipizide or any of the product's ingredients. • Hypersensitivity to sulfonamide derivatives. ▪ Known hypersensitivity to glipizide or any of the product's ingredients ( 4 ). ▪ Hypersensitivity to sulfonamide derivatives ( 4 ).
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Overdosage of sulfonylureas including GLUCOTROL XL can produce severe hypoglycemia. Mild hypoglycemic symptoms without loss of consciousness or neurologic findings should be treated with oral glucose. Severe hypoglycemic reactions with coma, seizure, or other neurological impairment are medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment. The patient should be treated with glucagon or intravenous glucose. Patients should be closely monitored for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours since hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Clearance of glipizide from plasma may be prolonged in persons with liver disease. Because of the extensive protein binding of glipizide, dialysis is unlikely to be of benefit.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
▪ Certain medications may affect glucose metabolism, requiring GLUCOTROL XL dose adjustment and close monitoring of blood glucose ( 7.1 ). ▪ Miconazole: Monitor patients closely. Severe hypoglycemia can occur when GLUCOTROL and oral miconazole are used concomitantly ( 7.2 , 12.3 ). ▪ Fluconazole: Monitor patients closely. An increase in GLUCOTROL AUC was seen after fluconazole administration ( 7.3 , 12.3 ). ▪ Colesevelam: GLUCOTROL XL should be administered at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam ( 7.4 , 12.3 ). 7.1 Drugs Affecting Glucose Metabolism A number of medications affect glucose metabolism and may require GLUCOTROL XL dose adjustment and close monitoring for hypoglycemia or worsening glycemic control. The following are examples of medication that may increase the glucose lowering effect of GLUCOTROL XL, increase the susceptibility to and/or intensity of hypoglycemia: antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, propoxyphene, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), sulfonamide antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, chloramphenicol, probenecid, coumarins, voriconazole, H2 receptor antagonists, and quinolones. When these medications are administered to a patient receiving GLUCOTROL XL, monitor the patient closely for hypoglycemia. When these medications are discontinued from a patient receiving GLUCOTROL XL, monitor the patient closely for worsening glycemic control. The following are examples of medication that may reduce the glucose-lowering effect of GLUCOTROL XL, leading to worsening glycemic control: atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), thyroid hormones, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, and calcium channel blocking drugs. When such drugs are administered to patients receiving GLUCOTROL XL, monitor the patients closely for worsening glycemic control. When these medications are discontinued from patients receiving GLUCOTROL XL, monitor the patient closely for hypoglycemia. Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and reserpine may lead to either potentiation or weakening of the glucose-lowering effect. Increased frequency of monitoring may be required when GLUCOTROL XL is co-administered with these drugs. The signs of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent in patients taking sympatholytic drugs such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine. Increased frequency of monitoring may be required when GLUCOTROL XL is co-administered with these drugs. 7.2 Miconazole Monitor patients closely for hypoglycemia when Glucotrol XL is co-administered with miconazole. A potential interaction between oral miconazole and oral hypoglycemic agents leading to severe hypoglycemia has been reported [see Clinical Phamacology (12.3) ] . 7.3 Fluconazole Monitor patients closely for hypoglycemia when Glucotrol XL is co-administered with fluconazole. Concomitant treatment with fluconazole increases plasma concentrations of glipizide, which may lead to hypoglycemia [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.4 Colesevelam GLUCOTROL XL should be administered at least 4 hours prior to the administration of colesevelam. Colesevelam can reduce the maximum plasma concentration and total exposure of glipizide when the two are coadministered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
How long does Glipizide stay in your body?
The elimination half-life of glipizide is about 2 to 4 hours — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. This is the elimination half-life in normal subjects; the label reports the same 2-4 hours whether the drug is given orally or intravenously. No active-metabolite caveat: the label states glipizide's primary metabolites are inactive hydroxylation products and polar conjugates, so nothing outlasts the parent drug. Note that blood-glucose lowering can persist up to ~24 hours after a single dose even though plasma levels have fallen far below peak — the pharmacologic effect outlasts the plasma half-life, but that is not the same as the elimination half-life. This immediate-release glipizide label does NOT give a separate numeric half-life for older adults or for kidney or liver impairment, so no adjusted figure is reported here; glipizide is extensively metabolized in the liver with <10% excreted unchanged in urine.
This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: Glipizide tablet — DailyMed label, Clinical Pharmacology / Pharmacokinetics.
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Glucotrol XL ranks — best-rated sulfonylurea for:
Dosage forms
Tablet, extended release
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Glucotrol XL treat?
- Glucotrol XL (Glipizide) may be used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Glucotrol XL rated?
- pharmaranks gives Glucotrol XL a composite score of 3.2 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- How much does Glucotrol XL cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $1.41 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Glimepiride — about $1.00 on the same basis.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Glucotrol XL?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Glucotrol XL. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Glucotrol XL?
- Glucotrol XL is marketed by Pfizer. You can see Pfizer's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Glucotrol XL a brand-name or generic drug?
- Glucotrol XL is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Glipizide. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Glipizide are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Glucotrol XL available over the counter?
- No. Glucotrol XL is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Glucotrol XL come in?
- Glucotrol XL is currently marketed as tablet, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Glucotrol XL?
- Glucotrol XL is classified as sulfonylurea, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Glucotrol XL FDA-registered?
- Glucotrol XL is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020329. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Glucotrol XL been recalled by the FDA?
- Glucotrol XL has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Glucotrol XL safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Glucotrol XL a recall-safety score of 64/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Glucotrol XL?
- Glucotrol XL's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail below and elsewhere in the labeling: • Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Hemolytic anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 3%) are dizziness, diarrhea,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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glucotrol xl
64/100