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Glucotrol |
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What is Glucotrol and why is it prescribed? Glucotrol is an oral antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can usually be treated by dietary changes and/or oral antidiabetic medications such as Glucotrol. Glucotrol controls diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Occasionally, type 2 diabetics must take insulin injections on a temporary basis, especially during stressful periods or times of illness. Glucotrol is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan can lead to serious complications, such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Glucotrol is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin. How should you take Glucotrol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Glucotrol. In general, to achieve the best control over blood sugar levels, Glucotrol should be taken 30 minutes before a meal. However, the exact dosing schedule as well as the dosage amount must be determined by your physician. Glucotrol XL should be taken with breakfast. Swallow the tablets whole; do not chew, crush, or divide them. Do not be alarmed if you notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool. It will be the empty shell that has been eliminated. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Glucotrol should be stored at room temperature and protected from moisture and humidity. Are there any Glucotrol side effects? Glucotrol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Glucotrol side effects may include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, gas, headache, hives, itching, low blood sugar, nervousness, sensitivity to light, skin rash and eruptions, stomach pain, and tremor. Less common or rare Glucotrol side effects may include anemia and other blood disorders and yellow eyes and skin. Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL, like all oral antidiabetic drugs, can cause low blood sugar. This risk is increased by missed meals, alcohol, other diabetes medications, and excessive exercise. Low blood sugar is also more likely in older people, those with kidney or liver problems, and those with poorly functioning adrenal or pituitary glands. To avoid low blood sugar, you should closely follow the dietary and exercise regimen suggested by your physician. Symptoms of mild low blood sugar may include blurred vision, cold sweats, dizziness, fast heartbeat, fatigue, headache, hunger, light-headedness, nausea, and nervousness. Symptoms of more severe low blood sugar may include coma, disorientation, pale skin, seizures, and shallow breathing. Ask your doctor what steps you should take if you experience mild hypoglycemia. If symptoms of severe low blood sugar occur, contact your doctor immediately. Severe hypoglycemia should be considered a medical emergency, and prompt medical attention is essential. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Glucotrol? If Glucotrol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is essential that you closely follow your physician's dietary guidelines. Specific medications that affect Glucotrol include Airway-opening drugs (such as Sudafed), Antacids (such as Mylanta), Aspirin, Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Clofibrate (Atromid-S), Corticosteroids (such as prednisone/Deltasone), Diuretics (such as HydroDIURIL), Estrogens (such as Premarin), Fluconazole (Diflucan), Gemfibrozil (Lopid), Heart and blood pressure medications called beta blockers (such as Tenormin and Lopressor), Heart medications called calcium channel blockers (such as Cardizem and Procardia XL), Isoniazid (Rifamate, Rimactane), Itraconazole (Sporanox), MAO inhibitors (antidepressant drugs such as Nardil and Parnate), Major tranquilizers (such as Thorazine and Mellaril), Miconazole (Monistat), Nicotinic acid (Nicobid), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Motrin and Naprosyn), Oral contraceptives, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Probenecid (Benemid), Rifampin (Rifadin), Sulfa drugs (such as Bactrim and Septra), Thyroid medications (such as Synthroid), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Alcohol must be used carefully, since excessive alcohol consumption can cause low blood sugar. Are there any special warnings about Glucotrol? It's possible that drugs such as Glucotrol may lead to more heart problems than diet treatment alone, or diet plus insulin. If you have a heart condition, you may want to discuss this with your doctor. If you are taking Glucotrol, you should check your blood and urine periodically for the presence of abnormal sugar levels. Even people with well-controlled diabetes may find that injury, infection, surgery, or fever results in a lack of control over their diabetes. In these cases, the physician may recommend that you stop taking Glucotrol temporarily and use insulin instead. Glucotrol may not work well in patients with poor kidney or liver function. In addition, the effectiveness of any oral antidiabetic, including Glucotrol, may decrease with time. This may occur because of either a diminished responsiveness to the medication or a worsening of the diabetes. Be careful taking the extended-release form of the drug if you have any narrowing in your stomach or intestines. Also, if you have any stomach or intestinal disease, Glucotrol XL may not work as well. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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