Glipizide !
A shorter-acting sulfonylurea taken before meals. Its inactive metabolites make it a common choice when kidney function is reduced.
Updated 2026-11-01
No structure with this drug is available; the figure shows glibenclamide, another sulfonylurea that binds the same SUR1 pocket of the KATP channel (hamster SUR1, rat Kir6.2).
Mechanism of action
Glipizide closes the beta-cell KATP channel through SUR1, so calcium enters and insulin is released. It acts faster and for a shorter time than glibenclamide, and is converted in the liver to inactive metabolites.
- Binds SUR1 on the beta-cell KATP channel
- The channel closes and the membrane depolarizes
- Calcium channels open and insulin granules are released
- Glucose falls, even when it is already low
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Oral; regular tablets are taken before meals; an extended-release form also exists.
- Metabolism
- In the liver to inactive metabolites.
- Elimination
- Metabolites leave mainly in urine.
Indications
- Type 2 diabetes, with diet and exercise Type 2 diabetes mellitus →
Adverse effects
Common
- Hypoglycemia
- Weight gain
- Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to glipizide
- Type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis
Key interactions
- Insulin and other glucose-lowering drugs
- Add to hypoglycemia.
- Beta-blockers
- Can increase the effect and blunt the warning signs of hypoglycemia.
- NSAIDs and salicylates, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, oral azole antifungals (miconazole)
- Can increase the glucose-lowering effect and cause severe hypoglycemia.
- Alcohol
- Raises the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Cimetidine
- Can increase the glucose-lowering effect.
What is monitored
- Capillary glucose
- HbA1c
- Kidney and liver function
Administration and safety
- Oral tablet, given with a meal (usually breakfast); a skipped meal raises hypoglycemia risk.
- Look-alike names: glipizide, glyburide (glibenclamide) and glimepiride are easily confused.
- Often held while the patient is fasting (nil by mouth) in hospital.
Nursing care
- Before: capillary glucose, kidney and liver function, meal intake, age.
- During: signs of hypoglycemia (sweating, tremor, confusion); beta-blockers can mask them.
- After a hypoglycemia episode: glucose is rechecked for many hours, because it can come back.
- Teach: carry fast sugar, avoid skipping meals, limit alcohol.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Insulin is the usual choice. A sulfonylurea taken near delivery can cause prolonged hypoglycemia in the newborn.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Why is glipizide often chosen over glibenclamide when kidney function is reduced?
Its metabolites are inactive and its action shorter, so it accumulates less and causes less prolonged hypoglycemia.
When is the regular glipizide tablet given in relation to meals?
Before meals, so the insulin release matches the meal.
Which hormone deficiencies raise the risk of severe hypoglycemia on glipizide?
Adrenal and pituitary insufficiency, because cortisol and growth hormone normally help defend glucose.
Related drugs
Related conditions
← Back to the class: Sulfonylureas
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Glipizide: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); DailyMed - GLIPIZIDE tablet (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.