Glipizide+metformin
About Glipizide+metformin
Glipizide+metformin 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.
Glipizide+metformin 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 Glipizide+metformin 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 Glipizide+metformin 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 Glipizide+metformin, 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 Glipizide+metformin 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.
Uses of Glipizide+metformin
Medicinal Benefits
Glipizide+metformin 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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Glipizide+metformin
Common side effects:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Cold sweats
- Stomach pain
- Weight gain
- Oedema (swelling)
Rare side effects:
- Lactic acidosis
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetes mellitus, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is a type 2 diabetes and 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. This disease mostly occurs in people aged above 40 years, but can also occur in childhood based on the risk factors. The treatment includes oral glucose-lowering medicines and insulin shots.
FAQs
Glipizide+metformin contains two antidiabetic drugs, namely: Glipizide and Metformin. Glipizide promotes insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas and reduces the glucose output from the liver. Metformin works by reducing the sugar production by cells in the liver and delays sugar absorption from the intestines.
Glipizide+metformin may increase the risk of low blood sugar levels, especially with alcohol intake, exercise more than usual, delay or missing snacks or meals. However, if you experience any signs of low blood pressure such as dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, dehydration or fainting, please consult a doctor.
You are not recommended to stop taking Glipizide+metformin on your own as discontinuing Glipizide+metformin suddenly may cause recurring symptoms or worsen the condition. However, if you experience any difficulty while taking Glipizide+metformin, please consult your doctor so that alternative medicine may be prescribed.
In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin as the islet cells (insulin-producing cells) in the pancreas are destroyed completed. In type 2 diabetes, though islet cells are working, the body doesn’t respond to insulin as the body becomes resistant to insulin.
