What it means
An oral antidiabetic drug. It works only when the pancreas can still make insulin, so it is used for type 2 diabetestipe too dy-uh-BEE-teezA form of diabetes in which the body does not respond well to insulin and does not make enough of it to keep blood glucose normal.Full entry , not type 1. Its main risk is hypoglycemiahy-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uhA blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.hypo- belowglyc/o sugar, glucose-emia in the bloodFull entry , especially if a meal is skipped, with alcohol or heavy exercise, and in older adults or people with kidney or liver disease.
For the nurse
Give it about 30 minutes before breakfast (the extended-release form with breakfast) and hold it if the client will not be eating, as ordered. Teach the signs of low blood glucose and how to treat it. The XL tablet is swallowed whole. ISMP lists oral sulfonylureas as high-alert drugs, and the 2023 Beers Criteria advise against sulfonylureas as a first or second choice in older adults (glipizide is the preferred one if a sulfonylurea is needed).
At a glance
| Drug class | sulfonylurea (oral antidiabetic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL |
| Spanish | glipizida |
| Also written | Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL |
Easy to confuse with
glyburide
A sulfonylurea taken by mouth that makes the pancreas release more insulin, used for type 2 diabetes.
Related terms
hypoglycemia
A blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.
type 2 diabetes
A form of diabetes in which the body does not respond well to insulin and does not make enough of it to keep blood glucose normal.
glyburide
A sulfonylurea taken by mouth that makes the pancreas release more insulin, used for type 2 diabetes.