Glucotrol

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Glucotrol during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. Therefore, if you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, you should take Glucotrol only on the advice of your physician. Since studies suggest the importance of maintaining normal blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy, your physician may prescribe insulin during pregnancy. To minimize the risk of low blood sugar in newborn babies, Glucotrol, if taken during pregnancy, should be discontinued at least one month before the expected delivery date.

Although it is not known if Glucotrol appears in breast milk, other oral antidiabetics do. Because of the potential for hypoglycemia in nursing infants, your doctor may advise you either to discontinue Glucotrol or to stop nursing. If Glucotrol is discontinued and if diet alone does not control glucose levels, your doctor may prescribe insulin.

Recommended dosage

Dosage levels must be determined by each patient's needs.

ADULTS

Glucotrol

The usual recommended starting dose is 5 milligrams taken before breakfast. Depending upon blood glucose response, your doctor may increase the initial dose in increments of 2.5 to 5 milligrams. The maximum recommended daily dose is 40 milligrams; total daily dosages above 15 milligrams are usually divided into 2 equal doses that are taken before meals.

Glucotrol XL

The usual starting dose is 5 milligrams each day at breakfast. After 3 months, your doctor may increase the dose to 10 milligrams daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 20 milligrams.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of this drug in children have not been established.

OLDER ADULTS

Older people or those with liver disease usually start Glucotrol therapy with 2.5 milligrams. They can start Glucotrol XL treatment with 5 milligrams.

Overdosage

An overdose of Glucotrol can cause low blood sugar. (See side effects section for symptoms.) Eating sugar or a sugar-based product will often correct the condition. Otherwise, seek medical attention immediately.