Glipizide, sold under the brand name Glucotrol among others, is an anti-diabetic medication of the sulfonylurea class used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is used together with a diabetic diet and exercise. It is not indicated for use by itself in type 1 diabetes. It is taken by mouth. Effects generally begin within half an hour and can last for up to a day.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, low blood sugar, and headache. Other side effects include sleepiness, skin rash, and shakiness. The dose may need to be adjusted in those with liver or kidney disease. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended.[1] It works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin and increases tissue sensitivity to insulin.
Glipizide was approved for medical use in the United States in 1984. It is available as a generic medication.[2] In 2021, it was the 48th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 13million prescriptions.[3] [4]
Glipizide sensitizes the beta cells of pancreatic islets of Langerhans insulin response, meaning that more insulin is released in response to glucose than would be without glipizide ingestion.[5] Glipizide acts by partially blocking potassium channels among beta cells of pancreatic islets of Langerhans. By blocking potassium channels, the cell depolarizes, which results in the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels. The resulting calcium influx encourages insulin release from beta cells.[6]
It was patented in 1969, and approved for medical use in 1971.[7] Glipizide was approved for medical use in the United States in 1984.[2]