Glipizide Side Effects

Diabetes may be affected by many nutritional deficiencies, and use of diabetic medications may increase the body’s nutritional needs. Glipizide may cause an additional depletion of nutrients, especially vitamin B-12. It may be important to supplement the diet with a multivitamin containing this nutrient.

• Glipizide may also deplete co-enzyme Q10 with long term use of the drug. Discuss supplementation with a pharmacist or physician before initiating supplement use because Co-Q10 may also reduce blood sugar levels. Monitor sugar levels.

• High doses of the vitamin niacin may increase blood glucose levels, and excessive use of this nutrient should be avoided.

• Alcohol use should be limited, as it can interfere with diabetes management.

• Use magnesium and vitamin E supplements with caution with glipizide because the supplements may increase the drugs’ effects.

• Avoid L-carnitine and chromium with glipizide due to possible additive hypoglycemic effects.

• Potatoes can interfere with blood sugar levels and glipizide dosage may require adjustment.

• The following herbs may lower blood sugar levels: Alfalfa, Aloe vera, Bilberry, Burdock, Bitter Melon, Celery, Cornsilk, Eucalyptus, Fenugreek, Garlic, Gymnema, Panax Ginseng, Marshmallow, Myrrh, Nettle, Onions, Sage and Tansy.

• Due to the known interaction between salicylates and this medication, it would be advisable to avoid herbs with salicylate properties with this drug: meadowsweet, poplar and white willow.

Glipizide Side effects:

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), feeling tired or short of breath, rapid heart rate;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion; or
• throbbing headache, severe nausea and vomiting, fast or pounding heartbeats, sweating or thirst, feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, stomach pain;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• dizziness, drowsiness; or
• skin rash, redness, or itching.