Drug Uses
Glucotrol is used for treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.
How Taken
Use Glucotrol as directed by your doctor. Take Glucotrol 30 minutes before a meal. Do not take charcoal–containing medicines within 2 hours of Glucotrol. Take Glucotrol regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking Glucotrol at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Storage
Store Glucotrol at 68 – 77 °F (20 –25 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Glucotrol out of the reach of children.
More Information
Glucotrol may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may worsen if Glucotrol is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Glucotrol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Glucotrol should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Glucotrol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Glucotrol, if you are debilitated, have a high fever, have a severe infection, have suffered from severe trauma (eg, injury), or will be having surgery, if you have certain hormonal problems (eg, adrenal or pituitary problems), an electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, or high blood pressure, have stomach or bowel problems, severe diarrhea, or are malnourished , if you have liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart problems ,if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Glucotrol during pregnancy. Glucotrol is not recommended for use for at least 1 month before delivery due to the potential for fetal harm. Insulin may be preferred during pregnancy. Discuss all options with your doctor.
It is unknown if Glucotrol is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Glucotrol. Some medicines may interact with Glucotrol. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Glucotrol if you have certain problems associated with diabetes (eg, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma), severe burns, severe acidosis, or type 1 diabetes. Avoid alcoholic beverages while using Glucotrol because they can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Rarely, alcohol can interact with Glucotrol and cause a serious reaction (disulfiram–like reaction) with symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stomach pain. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of alcohol. The tablet shell may be seen in the stool. This is normal. Check blood sugar levels daily according to your doctor's directions.
Call your doctor if symptoms of low blood sugar develop (eg, tiredness, nausea, confusion, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, fainting, shaking, agitation, excessive hunger, chills, heavy sweating, rapid heart rate, numbness or tingling of lips, tongue, legs, arms, feet), or if symptoms of high blood sugar occur (eg, excessive thirst or urination, flushing, rapid breathing, fruity breath odor). Proper diet, regular exercise, and blood sugar testing are important for best results. Glucotrol is not a substitute for them. Eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. Use of similar medicines has been associated with an increased risk of heart problems. If you experience chest pain, irregular heartbeat, swelling in your hands or feet, or unusual or sudden weight gain, contact your doctor immediately.
Glucotrol may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking Glucotrol. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Glucotrol. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Do not use Glucotrol in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Abnormal skin sensations, anxiety, constipation, decreased sensitivity to stimulation, diarrhea, fainting, gas, headache, indigestion, itching, joint pain, leg cramps, loss of appetite, muscle pain, nausea, runny nose, sleeplessness, sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, weight gain. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain or irregular heartbeat, dark urine, depression, easy bleeding/bruising, fever, mental/mood changes, persistent sore throat, seizures, stomach pain, swelling of the hands or feet, tremor, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual or sudden weight gain, yellowing eyes or skin.
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