Glifor Tablet

Glifor Tablet belongs to the class of anti-diabetic drugs. It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance) or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produces little or no insulin at all.

Glifor Tablet is composed of two medicines, namely Glipizide and Metformin. Glipizide belongs to the class of sulfonylureas. It promotes insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas and reduces the glucose output from the liver.  It has the fastest absorption and onset of action compared to other sulfonylureas. Metformin belongs to the class of biguanides and is used to manage blood sugar levels, particularly in obese patients. It exhibits a non-pancreatic effect to reduce serum glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion. It is also known as an insulin sensitizer as it increases the effects of insulin.

Take Glifor Tablet with food at regular intervals as prescribed by your doctor to avoid stomach upset. Your doctor will decide the dosage form, and this may change timely depending on your blood sugar levels. The common side effects of Glifor Tablet include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, cold sweats, stomach pain, weight gain, and oedema (swelling). Although not everyone experiences these side effects, if they occur, seek medical attention. Lactic acidosis, is a rare, but serious metabolic complication of excess lactic acid in the blood that is caused by metformin accumulation is reported. The risk of lactic acidosis is high in people with kidney, liver, and heart diseases.

Before starting Glifor Tablet, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of anaemia (low haemoglobin levels), seizures (fits), heart, kidney, and liver diseases. Also, speak to your doctor if you are on restricted food or fluid intake since Glifor Tablet causes dehydration, low blood sugar, and kidney damage. Do not take or stop this medicine, if the doctor did not advise you to do so.

Glifor Tablet is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a combination of Glipizide and Metformin. Glipizide is effective in treating low blood sugar levels when used as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It promotes insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas and reduces the glucose output from the liver. It also exhibits an extrapancreatic effect by improving insulin sensitivity at peripheral sites like muscle, fat, or liver cells. Metformin shows a non-pancreatic effect to reduce serum glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion. It is also known as an insulin sensitizer as it increases the effects of insulin. It is considered to be a unique anti-diabetic drug since it does not lower blood sugar levels.

Glifor Tablet can cause weight gain hence possible measures like eating healthy food and exercising are advised. It may also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypoglycemic conditions in renal and liver disease patients. Glifor Tablet sometimes causes impairment of vitamin b12 absorption and results in anaemia (low haemoglobin levels). Glifor Tablet has an increased risk of lactic acidosis. The risk of lactic acidosis is high in older people with kidney, liver and heart diseases. Hence, brief your medical history and take advice from your doctor before starting Glifor Tablet. Avoid consuming excessive alcohol as it can potentiate lactic acidosis.

Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Glifor Tablet to monitor blood sugar levels.