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Glipizide + Metformin

Information about Glipizide + Metformin

Glipizide + Metformin Uses

Glipizide+Metformin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

How Glipizide + Metformin works

Glipizide is a sulfonylurea which works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas in order to lower the blood glucose. Metformin is a biguanide which works by lowering glucose production in the liver, delaying glucose absorption from intestines and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin.

Common side effects of Glipizide + Metformin

Headache, Diarrhea, Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Syeda Aafia

MBA, BDS

Last updated

18 Oct 2024 | 04:57 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Glipizide + Metformin

Glynase-MFUSV Ltd

₹201 variant(s)

Dibizide-MMicro Labs Ltd

₹171 variant(s)

GlimetFranco-Indian Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹8 to ₹1233 variant(s)

Glyson-MFUnison Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹211 variant(s)

MetaglezAristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹4 to ₹252 variant(s)

GliforBiochem Pharmaceutical Industries

₹241 variant(s)

Glucotrol MFJenburkt Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹231 variant(s)

MetglibTaurus Laboratories Pvt Ltd

₹501 variant(s)

Diacon MBal Pharma Ltd

₹141 variant(s)

Glibities MFTheo Pharma Pvt Ltd

₹121 variant(s)

Expert advice for Glipizide + Metformin

Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while you are taking this medicine.
It can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
Inform your doctor about your diabetes treatment if you are due to have surgery under a general anesthetic.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any deep or rapid breathing or if you have persistent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain as Glipizide + Metformin may cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is an excess of lactic acid in the blood.
Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).

Frequently asked questions for Glipizide + Metformin

Glipizide + Metformin

Q. What is Glipizide+Metformin?

Glipizide+Metformin is a combination of two medicines: Glipizide and Metformin. This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). It improves the blood glucose levels in adults when taken along with proper diet and regular exercise. Glipizide lowers the blood glucose levels by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas. Metformin works by lowering the glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. This combination is not indicated for the treatment of type 1 DM.

Q. What are the possible side effects of Glipizide+Metformin?

The use of Glipizide+Metformin is associated with common side effects like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), altered taste, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache and upper respiratory tract infection. Its use can also lead to serious but rare side effects like lactic acidosis. On long-term use, it can also lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Q. Can the use of Glipizide+Metformin cause hypoglycemia?

Yes, the use of Glipizide+Metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate and feeling anxious or shaky. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always carry some glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you.

Q. Can the use of Glipizide+Metformin cause lactic acidosis?

Yes, the use of Glipizide+Metformin can lead to lactic acidosis. It is a medical emergency which is caused by 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 use of metformin and therefore, it is avoided in patients with underlying kidney disease, old age patients or who take large amounts of alcohol. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, tiredness, feeling of cold in arms and legs, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or slow heart rate. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Glipizide+Metformin and immediately consult your doctor.

Q. Can the use of Glipizide+Metformin lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Yes, the use of Glipizide+Metformin can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency on long-term use. It interferes with absorption of Vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems and the patient can feel a tingling sensation and numbness in the hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, change in mental status and difficulty in maintaining balance (ataxia). To avoid such problems, some researchers suggest an intake of Vitamin B12 from outside sources at least once every year.

Q. Are there any specific conditions in which Glipizide+Metformin should not to be taken?

The use of Glipizide+Metformin should be avoided in patients with known allergy to any of the components or excipients of this medicine. It should also be avoided in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease and in patients with underlying metabolic acidosis including diabetic ketoacidosis.

Q. Is it safe to take alcohol while I am also taking Glipizide+Metformin?

No, it is not safe to take Glipizide+Metformin along with alcohol, as it may lower your low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and can increase the chances of lactic acidosis.

Q. What are the instructions for storage and disposal of Glipizide+Metformin?

Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.