Glipizide: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Glipizide is a sulfonylurea for type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the Oral diabetes medicine group. These help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes through different mechanisms.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Oral diabetes medicine
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

Type 2 diabetes
Used with diet and exercise
Often combined with metformin

Common brand names

India: Glynase, Glez
Worldwide: Glucotrol

Common side effects

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
Weight gain
Nausea or diarrhoea
Dizziness

Before taking it — precautions

Take with or just before a meal; do not skip meals
Older people and those with kidney or liver disease are more prone to low sugar
Alcohol and some medicines can increase low-sugar risk — tell your doctor what you take

When to see a doctor urgently

Shaking, sweating, confusion or fainting (low sugar — take sugar and get help)
Yellow eyes or skin
Severe rash or swelling of the face (rare — urgent)

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of glipizide depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

Can glipizide cause low blood sugar?

Yes — like other sulfonylureas it raises insulin release. Know the signs (shaking, sweating, confusion) and keep sugar handy.

What should I do during fasting?

Fasting raises the risk of low sugar. Ask your doctor before fasting so the medicine can be adjusted.

Is glipizide the same as gliclazide?

Both are sulfonylureas and work the same way; your doctor chooses based on your kidneys, age and other medicines.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.