Glipizide + Metformin

Information about Glipizide + Metformin

Glipizide + metformin uses

How glipizide + metformin works

This is a combination of two antidiabetic medicines: Glipizide and Metformin.

Common side effects of glipizide + metformin

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Nausea, Diarrhea, Headache, Upper respiratory tract infection, Dizziness, Vomiting, Flatulence, Abdominal discomfort, Nervousness, Hypersensitivity, Rash, Abnormal liver function, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Lactic acidosis, Tremors

Available Medicine for Glipizide + Metformin

  • ₹20
    USV Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹17
    Micro Labs Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹7 to ₹123
    Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
    3 variant(s)
  • ₹21
    Unison Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹4 to ₹24
    Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹24
    Biochem Pharmaceutical Industries
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹21
    Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹50
    Taurus Laboratories Pvt Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹14
    Bal Pharma Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹12
    Theo Pharma Pvt Ltd
    1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Glipizide + Metformin

  • Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while you are taking this medicine. 
  • It can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal. 
  • Inform your doctor about your diabetes treatment if you are due to have surgery under a general anesthetic.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any deep or rapid breathing or if you have persistent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain as Glipizide + Metformin may cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is an excess of lactic acid in the blood.
  • Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).

Frequently asked questions for Glipizide + Metformin

Glipizide + Metformin

Q. What is Glipizide+Metformin?
Glipizide+Metformin is a combination of two medicines: Glipizide and Metformin. This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). It improves the blood glucose levels in adults when taken along with proper diet and regular exercise. Glipizide lowers the blood glucose levels by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas. Metformin works by lowering the glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. This combination is not indicated for the treatment of type 1 DM.
Q. What are the possible side effects of Glipizide+Metformin?
The use of Glipizide+Metformin is associated with common side effects like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), altered taste, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache and upper respiratory tract infection. Its use can also lead to serious but rare side effects like lactic acidosis. On long-term use, it can also lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Q. Can the use of Glipizide+Metformin cause hypoglycemia?
Yes, the use of Glipizide+Metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate and feeling anxious or shaky. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always carry some glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you.
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Q. Can the use of Glipizide+Metformin cause lactic acidosis?
Yes, the use of Glipizide+Metformin can lead to lactic acidosis. It is a medical emergency which is caused by increased levels of lactic acid in the blood. It is also known as MALA (Metformin associated lactic acidosis). It is a rare side effect associated with the use of metformin and therefore, it is avoided in patients with underlying kidney disease, old age patients or who take large amounts of alcohol. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, tiredness, feeling of cold in arms and legs, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or slow heart rate. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Glipizide+Metformin and immediately consult your doctor.
Q. Can the use of Glipizide+Metformin lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Yes, the use of Glipizide+Metformin can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency on long-term use. It interferes with absorption of Vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems and the patient can feel a tingling sensation and numbness in the hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, change in mental status and difficulty in maintaining balance (ataxia). To avoid such problems, some researchers suggest an intake of Vitamin B12 from outside sources at least once every year.
Q. Are there any specific conditions in which Glipizide+Metformin should not to be taken?
The use of Glipizide+Metformin should be avoided in patients with known allergy to any of the components or excipients of this medicine. It should also be avoided in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease and in patients with underlying metabolic acidosis including diabetic ketoacidosis.
Q. Is it safe to take alcohol while I am also taking Glipizide+Metformin?
No, it is not safe to take Glipizide+Metformin along with alcohol, as it may lower your low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and can increase the chances of lactic acidosis.
Q. What are the instructions for storage and disposal of Glipizide+Metformin?
Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.

Content on this page was last updated on 18 February, 2020, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)