Note: This document contains side effect information about glipizide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Glucotrol XL.

Applies to glipizide: oral tablets.

Side effects include:

Conventional tablets: Nausea, anorexia, vomiting, pyrosis, gastralgia, diarrhea, constipation.

Extended-release tablets: Dizziness, diarrhea, nervousness, tremor, hypoglycemia, flatulence.

Glipizide (the active ingredient contained in Glucotrol XL) metformin hydrochloride fixed combination: Upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, dizziness, hypertension, nausea/vomiting, musculoskeletal pain, headache, abdominal pain, urinary tract infection.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to glipizide: compounding powder, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General

The more commonly reported side effects have included dizziness, diarrhea, nervousness, tremor, hypoglycemia, and flatulence.^[Ref]

Metabolic

Disulfiram-like reactions have been reported with sulfonylureas. Clinical experience has shown this drug to have a low incidence of disulfiram-like alcohol reactions.^[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Hypoglycemia

Uncommon (less than 1%): Thirst

Frequency not reported: Disulfiram like reactions, hepatic porphyria, hyponatremia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), elevation of LDH^[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Leucopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, pancytopenia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Syncope

Uncommon (less than 1%): Arrhythmia, flushing, hypertension^[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Impaired hepatic function, hepatitis, jaundice, mild to moderate ALT, LDH, alkaline phosphatase elevations

Postmarketing reports: Cholestatic and hepatocellular forms of liver injury accompanied by jaundice^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects frequently disappear with continued therapy. Photosensitivity has been reported with other sulfonylureas.^[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Sweating, pruritus

Uncommon (less than 1%): Rash, urticaria

Frequency not reported: Rash, erythema, morbilliform or maculopapular eruptions, urticaria, pruritus, eczema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gastralgia, vomiting, flatulence, dyspepsia

Uncommon (less than 1%): Anorexia, trace blood in stool

Frequency not reported: Gastrointestinal irritation, gastrointestinal bleeding

Postmarketing reports: Abdominal pain^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal side effects appear to be dose-related and may disappear on division or reduction of dosage.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Polyuria

Uncommon (less than 1%): Dysuria^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, leg cramps, myalgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness, nervousness, tremors, paresthesia, hypesthesia

Uncommon (less than 1%): Migraine

Frequency not reported: Drowsiness^[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision

Uncommon (less than 1%): Pain in the eye, conjunctivitis, retinal hemorrhage

Frequency not reported: Diplopia, abnormal vision, visual impairment, decreased vision^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, pain

Uncommon (less than 1%): Chills, edema

Frequency not reported: Vertigo, malaise^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, anxiety, depression

Frequency not reported: Confusion^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Rhinitis

Uncommon (less than 1%): Pharyngitis, dyspnea^[Ref]

Renal

Frequency not reported: Mild to moderate BUN and creatinine elevations