Glipizide

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Glipizide (brand name Glucotrol) — Antidiabetic; Second-generation sulfonylurea.

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Antidiabetic.
• Pharmacologic class: Second-generation sulfonylurea.

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin; requires functioning beta cells.
• Onset / peak / duration: Onset 30 minutes; duration 12 to 24 hours.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 2 to 5 hours; no routine level.

Clinical use

• Indications: Type 2 diabetes.
• Usual dose, route, frequency: 5 to 20 mg PO daily, 30 minutes before meals (ER once daily).
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Max about 40 mg/day (20 mg ER); reduce in renal or hepatic impairment and in elderly.

Safety

• Contraindications: Type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, sulfonamide hypersensitivity.
• Black box warning: Older labeling notes a possible increased cardiovascular mortality risk for the sulfonylurea class.
• Interactions: Alcohol (food/drink, possible disulfiram reaction and hypoglycemia), beta blockers (mask hypoglycemia), NSAIDs, azole antifungals.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Generally avoided; insulin preferred.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Hypoglycemia, weight gain, nausea.
• Serious effects to report: Severe or prolonged hypoglycemia, photosensitivity reactions.
• Antidote / reversal: Oral glucose, IV dextrose, or glucagon for hypoglycemia.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Blood glucose, renal and hepatic function, meal timing.
• Interventions during therapy: Ensure the patient will eat; teach hypoglycemia recognition.
• Monitor: Blood glucose, A1c, signs of hypoglycemia.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Glycemic control.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Take before meals; do not skip meals; carry a fast sugar source.
• Notify provider if: Frequent low blood sugar, rash with sun exposure.
• Administration tips: 30 minutes before breakfast; ER swallowed whole.