Glipizide is the medication for treating diabetes mellitus type 2 in adults. It comes from a well-known group of drugs called sulfonylureas. It is available in two primary forms: Glipizide regular tablet and Glipizide extended-release form.
But some of you may know Glipizide XL as Glipizide extended-release. These two may appear to be the same but have distinct differences.
So, what are the difference between Glipizide and Glipizide XL?
The main difference between Glipizide and Glipizide XL is the release time. The XL version of Glipizide takes more time to release the medication than Glipizide. Besides, the minimum strength of Glipizide XL is 2.5 mg, whereas the Glipizide comes in 5 mg strength.
I have made a table where I have discussed everything side by side. Plus, there are more comparisons in this article. So, stay till the end.
Difference Between Glipizide and Glipizide XL
The differences between the two medications are distinct. Knowing about these differences is super essential if you want to buy.
Glipizide
Glipizide is a medication used to deal with type 2 diabetes. It pertains to sulfonylureas (a group of drugs).
Sulfonylureas assist in lowering blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production. It directly prompts the pancreas for insulin synthesis.
Glipizide XL
Glipizide XL is a sulfonylurea taken orally. It primarily lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production. How? This mechanism depends upon the functioning of beta cells.
Plus, this medication also helps to boost glycemic restraint. However, it is not approved to cure type 1 diabetes.
Glipizide XL should be used with breakfast once a day. Doctors recommend one dose of 5 mg daily, while the ultimate dose is 20 mg. You may also use Glipizide XL with other sugar level lowering medicines (anti-diabetic medicines).
Now let’s take a look at head to head comparison between Glipizide and Glipizide XL.
| Different Factors | Glipizide | Glipizide XL |
| Belong To | It belongs to sulfonylureas which is a group of drugs. | Glipizide XL is one of the primary forms of Glipizide. |
| Other Name | Glipizide is also known as Glucotrol. | Glipizide XL is also known as the Glipizide extended-release form. It is also called Glucotrol XL. |
| Working Mechanism | Glipizide is released primarily into the body by hepatic biotransformation. When you take the Glipizide tablet, it is instantly released into your body. It works immediately to control glycemic levels. However, the mechanism of action can be interacted with by other drugs. Thiazides and diuretics interfere with the working of Glipizide. This interference may cause severe side effects. | Glipizide XL is the extended-release form of medicine. It is very similar to the conventional tablet in appearance. It is an osmotically active drug covered by a semipermeable membrane. The core comprises two coatings. An active layer that encloses drugs and a push layer. The push layer is an inert but osmotically active core. The active layer is permeable to the water. It doesn’t allow the inner drug to go out. After you intake the tablet, the water from your gastrointestinal tract enters it. The osmotic pressure increases inside the tablet. It pulls out the drug through the smallest orifice. Eo, Glipizide XL uses osmotic pressure to release drugs in the gastrointestinal tract. |
| Dose | Two supplements a day. | One each day. |
| Side Effects | It may cause both mild and severe side effects. ● Liver problems● Heart disorders● Fever, nausea● Eczema● Skin Itchiness● Dark urine● Trauma● Asthenia● Flatulence● Hypoglycemia | Glipizide XL treatment may lead to the following issues: ● Vomiting● Constipation● Abdominal issues● Drowsiness● Seizure● Bruising● Low appetite● Infection● Mood swings● Swelling |
Judging by the differences, it is clear that both are good medications and equally effective. But the side effects are the cause of concern for both. Both medications have different side effects, and that’s also the major difference between them.
These side effects generally occur if you are not careful. Also, genetic factors might intervene too.
Who Should Not Take Glipizide And Glipizide Xl?
G6PD is an important enzyme in us. It assists the Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in working appropriately. Some individuals lack the G6PD enzyme, which destroys RBCs. G6PD is an inherited disorder that can cause hemolytic anemia.
When there is G6PD deficiency, Glipizide causes higher chances of hemolytic anemia. So, these patients should not use this medication.
Moreover, people with hypersensitivity troubles and type 1 diabetes should not start this treatment. Patients with diabetes ketoacidosis should not utilize Glipizide XL.
If you don’t have G6PD deficiency, take care of the dose and the diet you are eating.
Foods To Avoid While Taking Glipizide And Xl
Glipizide medication may cause weight gain. Therefore, you must exercise and consume only low-calorie and healthy food. People also ask, “what happens if you take Glipizide and don’t eat? If you don’t eat, your blood sugar levels will decrease drastically.
In addition, Pharmacists strictly instruct the patients to avoid alcohol during Glipizide medication. Alcohol may interact with sulfonylureas and induce hypoglycemia. Furthermore, sugary and caffeinated drinks can be a source of problems too.
Also, there is a whole list of warnings issued by the manufacturer. You should follow their recommendations to keep living a healthy life.
Warnings For Glipizide And Xl
If you’re allergic to Glipizide, you must avoid sulfonylureas medicines. Don’t use Glucotrol, Glucotrol xl, and other drug medications. Keep your Glipizide medicines away from the children.
- In case of overdose, immediately reach your pharmacist.
- During pregnancy and lactation, carefully utilize Glipizide.
- Never start this medication if you are an anemia patient.
- Hemolytic anemia may happen during glipizide medication. In that case, try using other alternatives.
- Patients with gastrointestinal disorders should not use glipizide extended-release.
- Don’t convert instantly from glipizide immediate release to extended-release.
- When you convert medications, observe the changes.
- Instantly tell your doctor if you note any mild or severe symptoms.
- ● Older age patients have a higher chance of hypoglycemia. It is very vital to regulate their glucose levels.
- Exercising is important but doesn’t be a gym rat. Diabetic patients should be careful about weight lifting. A diabetic person may faint if he lifts a heavy weight. Moreover, if such a person experiences side effects from medication, they shouldn’t work out.
Also, if you are diabetic and want to enjoy a nice snack for movie night, do not go overboard. Are these things too complicated for you?
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Many people also try to compare Glipizides with the ER one. Let me now do this one by one.
What Is The Difference Between Glipizide XL And ER?
Glipizide XL is the antidote to deal with type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult patients. It endeavors along with a healthy nutriment and workout. Plus, it improves glycemic levels by controlling insulin release.
You should take one or two doses in case of an emergency.
Glipizide ER 10mg or even 25mg (extended-release) stabilizes sugar too. But it works slower than regular Glipizide form. You should take just one dose of Glipizide ER a day with your breakfast.
What Is The Difference Between Glipizide and Glipizide ER?
Glipizide medication is used to deal with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It improves the control of insulin synthesis.
Glipizide ER Max dose (extended-release) also decreases sugar levels but works slower than Glipizide.
Moreover, You should take just one dose of Glipizide ER 25 mg a day. In comparison, two tablets a day is the general recommendation for Glipizide.
FAQs
How long does Glipizide XL last?
After each dose, Glipizide’s full effects are felt 6 to 12 hours later. It takes five days for the medication to stabilize after taking glipizide once daily for consecutive days. The drug’s effects usually last for about 24 hours before they wear off and fade away completely.
Can Glipizide XL be taken twice a day?
Nope, the double dose of Glipizide XL is not recommended per day. It may cause severe reactions. However, twice-daily dosing may be more effective for patients who aren’t responding to once-daily dosing. Doses greater than 30 mg/day should be taken twice a day. Take it as 40 mg per day in two doses.
Can you cut Glipizide XL in half?
No, you should swallow the Glipizide XL table whole. Don’t crush, split or chew it. The medication is released gradually over the course of 24 hours, thanks to the tablet’s design. Because of this, you must only take it once a day. Take the tablet in one swallow.
Final Thoughts
I am sure you got an idea about the difference between Glipizide and Glipizide XL?
The general difference between the two is that Glipizide is the primary class of sulfonylureas. In comparison, Glipizide XL is one of the basic forms of Glipizide. The biggest difference between these two is the side effects they cause and their working mechanisms.
However, both pharmaceuticals are utilized to regulate diabetes mellitus type 2 in adults. But be careful about consuming them the right way and the enzyme deficiency. To be on the safer side, consult your doctor first before using it.
Follow the instructions and live a healthy lifestyle.
