Glucotrol

A sulfonylurea class of anti-diabetic medication, Glipizide is the generic name of diabetes-treating drug. The formulation of taking this drug is to release the insulin produced in the beta cells of the pancreas. It blocks the production of potassium and permits the increasing level of Calcium which in turn can create the production of insulin.

The Glipizide is popularly marketed in a registered brand name Glucotrol by Pfizer.

What Is Glucotrol?

There are many drugs for treating diabetes mellitus, a known serious disease that many people have. The Glucotrol is the brand name of Glipizide. A Product of Pfizer, Glucotrol is available in 2.5, 5 and 10 milligrams. Aside from glipizide, there are other inert ingredients of Glucotrol. They act as catalysts and contributors to the absorption of the drug in the gastrointestinal system.

A recent, more potent tablet of Glucotrol is the Glucotrol XL. Though similar in appearance to the conventional tablet, it is however, consists of an active and more potent drug core with a semi-permeable membrane enclosure. The layers are needed so the absorption of the drug can happen inside the gastrointestinal tract for better performance.

The extended release tablet is formulated to obtain a controlled rate for glipizide delivery into the gastrointestinal lumen. The inert ingredients remain intact during the process of absorption and are excreted in the feces.

Dibetes And Glucotrol

Diabetes mellitus is the target of Glucotrol. The therapeutic effect of Glucotrol in treating diabetes can be more effective in its extended release and potent form, Glucotrol XL.

The Glucotrol XL, after thorough study, has shown to be effective in lowering blood glucose. A daily dosage of the prescribed formulations has resulted to a significant depletion from placebo in fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose and in hemoglobin A. This is applied to patients Type 2 diabetes in mild or severe conditions.

Indications And Dosage

Glucotrol XL is best taken within meals and it is regularly medicated once daily during the therapy. Diet of the patient is normally given importance when undergoing the therapy with the drug. An emphasis on the patient’s diet should be managed as it is an important treatment of diabetes. The intake should also be restricted as well as the weight. Overall health management is emphasized during the therapy in particular to the obese patients.

It is, however, that the progress on treating the diabetes is not only attributed to the drug but the healthy and positive lifestyle of the patient.

Contraindications

An initial discussion to the professional if you have sensitivity to the drug or some health concerns and conditions that you have that can contradict the function of the drug. Proper assessment of the health of the individual is necessary so other problems can be prevented. Some serious matters like cardiovascular problems and renal dysfunction should be the in the contents of the discussion with the doctors. Other matters are also taken into account.

Laboratory tests are normally prescribed by the doctor to assess the intervention of other drugs, the health status of the patient and some other essential information such as the urine level and glucose level.


Overdosage And Side Effects Of Glucotrol XL

Hypoglycemia, an abnormal lowering of blood sugar level is known to be the effect of taking too much of the drug. Though, there is no recorded on the overdosage of the drugs, the effect of hypoglycemia could eventually lead to death.

Possible side effects of Glucotrol XL are: unusual sweating, dizziness, hunger and weakness, fast heartbeat, blurry vision and headache.

The qualified doctors that have prescribed the drugs for treating diabetes should be the professionals to be consulted before taking any medication. They are the only professionals that can qualify patients to undergo the drug therapy. They can also make corrective measures if the drugs fail to respond and may need the collaboration with other drugs.