- Body system
- Endocrine
- Brand names
- Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL
What is Glipizide used for?
- Type 2 diabetes
How Glipizide works
Sulfonylurea: stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin.
Common side effects
- Hypoglycemia
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Report right away
- Signs of low blood sugar
- Rash or yellowing of the skin
Nursing considerations for Glipizide
- Hypoglycemia risk is higher in older adults, with kidney or liver impairment, and when meals are skipped.
- Beta blockers can mask the warning signs of hypoglycemia.
Patient teaching
- Take immediate-release glipizide about 30 minutes before breakfast; take extended-release tablets with breakfast and swallow them whole.
- Do not skip meals after taking it.
- Carry a fast-acting sugar source.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Oral and non-insulin antidiabetic drugs practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Glipizide belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which test result should the nurse check before giving metformin to a patient scheduled for a CT scan with IV contrast?
Show answer
Answer A: eGFR or serum creatinine Iodinated contrast can impair kidney function, and metformin builds up in kidney impairment, raising the risk of lactic acidosis.
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Which drug is most likely to cause hypoglycemia when used alone?
Show answer
Answer D: Glipizide Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release regardless of the glucose level, so hypoglycemia is their main risk.
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A patient taking empagliflozin should be taught to watch for which effect?
Show answer
Answer B: Genital yeast infections SGLT2 inhibitors put glucose into the urine, which raises the risk of genital fungal infections and urinary infections.
Frequently asked questions
What is Glipizide used for?
Type 2 diabetes.
What drug class is Glipizide?
Glipizide belongs to the class oral and non-insulin antidiabetic drugs. Sulfonylurea: stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin.
What are the nursing considerations for Glipizide?
Hypoglycemia risk is higher in older adults, with kidney or liver impairment, and when meals are skipped. Beta blockers can mask the warning signs of hypoglycemia.
What should patients report while taking Glipizide?
signs of low blood sugar; rash or yellowing of the skin.