Glipizide

Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Use dmy dates Template:Cs1 config Template:Infobox drug Glipizide, sold under the brand name Glucotrol among others, is an anti-diabetic medication of the sulfonylurea class used to treat type 2 diabetes.<ref name=AHFS2018/><ref name="Glucotrol FDA label" /> It is used together with a diabetic diet and exercise.<ref name=AHFS2018/><ref name="Glucotrol FDA label" /> It is not indicated for use by itself in type 1 diabetes.<ref name=AHFS2018/><ref name="Glucotrol FDA label" /> It is taken by mouth.<ref name=AHFS2018/><ref name="Glucotrol FDA label" /> Effects generally begin within half an hour and can last for up to a day.<ref name=AHFS2018/>

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, low blood sugar, and headache.<ref name=AHFS2018/> Other side effects include sleepiness, skin rash, and shakiness.<ref name=BNF76/> The dose may need to be adjusted in those with liver or kidney disease.<ref name=AHFS2018/> Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended.<ref name=BNF76>Template:Cite book</ref> It works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin and increases tissue sensitivity to insulin.<ref name=AHFS2018/>

Glipizide was approved for medical use in the United States in 1984.<ref name=AHFS2018/> It is available as a generic medication.<ref name=AHFS2018>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2023, it was the 42nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 15Template:Nbspmillion prescriptions.<ref name="Top300Drugs">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mechanism of action

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.<ref name="Glucotrol FDA label">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

History

It was patented in 1969, and approved for medical use in 1971.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Glipizide was approved for medical use in the United States in 1984.<ref name=AHFS2018/>