Glucotrol XL

Common uses

Glucotrol XL is used to treat diabetes 2. It is prescribed to non-insulin dependent patients. Using this medicine improves release of natural insulin in your body. Glucotrol treatment prevents kidney disease, circulation problems, male erectile problems, heart disease and strokes. For better results is recommended to use Glucotrol as a part of diet and exercise program.

Before using

Don not start or stop using Glucotrol without your medical specialist's approval. Notify your doctor of using any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs including chloramphenicol, beta-blockers, ibuprofen, diabetes medicines, cimetidine, deazoxide, decongestants, clofibrate, birth control pills, diet pills, mao inhibitors, phenothiazines, probenecid, rifampin, thyroid medicines, diuretics, ginseng, estrogens, epinephitin, phenytonin, or quinolone antibiotics. Tell your doctor if you have the history of high blood pressure, allergies, thyroid disease, liver disease, kidney disease, hormonal problems, or electrolyte impalance. Inform your doctor of being pregnant or breast-feeding. Ask you doctor or pharmacist for the details of using Glucotrol.

Directions

Glucotrol should be taken before meal. Do not stop using this medicine without your doctor approval. You may need additional monitoring of your body. This drug should be stored in cool dark place at a room temperature. Keep it in tightly closed container. Try not to miss your regular dose. Do not double-up your regular dose. If you miss your dose, wait until time of the next dose.

Cautions

You may need additional medical tests to monitor your condition and to prevent possible side effects. Call your doctor if you experienced sudden changes in blood sugar. Notify medical specialist of using Glucotrol before having surgery, emergency care, dental treatment or any laboratory test. Using this medicine can influence laboratory tests. Contact your doctor if you noticed symptoms of hypoglycemia including headache, tingling of feet or hands, fast heartbeat, drowsiness, chills, hunger or cold sweat. Inform your doctor of taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines. It is recommended to lessen alcohol intake in order to avoid consequences of interaction of Glucotrol and alcohol, which leads to nausea, dizziness, stomach pain and vomiting. Using this medicine may affect ability to drive or perform other potentially hazardous activities. It is not recommended to use Glucotrol if you are pregnant. Ask your doctor for details of using this medicine if you are breast-feeding. It is not proved that Glucotrol is absolutely safe for newborn.

Possible side effects

Consult your doctor, nurse or pharmacist or apply for emergency care in case of any side effects appearing during Glucotrol treatment. Taking this medicine sometimes may cause:

• changes in appetite
• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• headache
• changes in weight
• fever
• urination problems
• unusual weakness
• stomach pain
• seizures
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• swelling of hands or feet
• dizziness
• rapid heartbeat
• changes in vision
• fainting
• tingling of hands and feet
• difficulty breathing
• allergic reaction

If you take too much

Glucotrol overdose may cause rapid heartbeat, loss of consciousness, sweating and shakiness. Apply for emergency care or contact your medical specialist if overdose occurred.

Additional information

Follow the directions of your doctor. Keep diet and exercise program for better results. It is recommended to attend diabetes education program. Keep this drug away from the reach of children and pets. Do not give this medicine to others wfor hom it was not prescribed.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions may cause side effects or neutralize the treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the interaction of Glucotrol and other prescription and over-the-counter medicines.