Glucotrol

What side effects may occur?

Side effects from Glucotrol are rare and seldom require discontinuation of the medication.

• Side effects may include:
  Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, gas, headache, hives, itching, low blood sugar, nervousness, sensitivity to light, skin rash and eruptions, stomach pain, tremor

Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL, like all oral antidiabetic drugs, can cause low blood sugar. This risk is increased by missed meals, alcohol, other diabetes medications, and excessive exercise. Low blood sugar is also more likely in older people, those with kidney or liver problems, and those with poorly functioning adrenal or pituitary glands. To avoid low blood sugar, you should closely follow the dietary and exercise regimen suggested by your physician.

• Symptoms of mild low blood sugar may include:
  Blurred vision, cold sweats, dizziness, fast heartbeat, fatigue, headache, hunger, light-headedness, nausea, nervousness

• Symptoms of more severe low blood sugar may include:
  Coma, disorientation, pale skin, seizures, shallow breathing

Ask your doctor what steps you should take if you experience mild hypoglycemia. If symptoms of severe low blood sugar occur, contact your doctor immediately. Severe hypoglycemia should be considered a medical emergency, and prompt medical attention is essential.

Why should Glucotrol not be prescribed?

You should not take Glucotrol if you have had an allergic reaction to it previously.

Glucotrol will be stopped if you are suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, pain below the breastbone, and a fruity breath).

Special warnings about Glucotrol

It's possible that drugs such as Glucotrol may lead to more heart problems than diet treatment alone, or diet plus insulin. If you have a heart condition, you may want to discuss this with your doctor.

If you are taking Glucotrol, you should check your blood and urine periodically for the presence of abnormal sugar (glucose) levels.