Glipizide + Metformin Hydrochloride

Generic Details

Generic Name

Glipizide-Metformin Hydrochloride

Other Names

  • Glipizide-Metformin HCl

Drug Class

  • Antidiabetic Combination

Chemical Formula

Molecular Weight

Mechanism of Action

  • Glipizide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, while metformin decreases glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissue.

Indications

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • The typical starting dose is one tablet containing 2.5 mg glipizide/250 mg metformin twice daily with meals.

Pediatric Dosage

  • Safety and efficacy not established.

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustments may be necessary in the elderly population due to decreased renal function.

Side Effects

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Metallic taste in mouth

Contraindications

  • Severe renal impairment
  • Metabolic acidosis
  • Hypersensitivity to sulfonylureas or biguanides

Pregnancy Category

  • Category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Lactation Safety

  • Not recommended during lactation as it is excreted in breast milk.

Drug Interactions

  • Alcohol may potentiate the effects of glipizide-metformin and cause hypoglycemia.
  • Certain medications like cimetidine, corticosteroids, and beta-blockers may interact with glipizide-metformin.

Overdose Symptoms

  • Symptoms of hypoglycemia such as confusion, dizziness, sweating, and seizures

Antidote for Overdose

  • Glucose or intravenous dextrose

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Metformin is absorbed slowly with peak concentrations reached in 2-4 hours. Glipizide is rapidly absorbed.
  • Distribution: Metformin distributes to erythrocytes and has a low protein binding, while glipizide is highly protein bound.
  • Metabolism: Metformin does not undergo metabolism, whereas glipizide is extensively metabolized by the liver.
  • Excretion: Both metformin and glipizide are primarily excreted unchanged in the urine.

Precautions

  • Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential during treatment.
  • Caution in patients with hepatic impairment.

Warnings

  • May cause lactic acidosis, a rare but serious side effect characterized by low blood pH.

Others