AUSCC

Glipizide is a type of medication that is prescribed for diabetics in the class of drugs known as sulfonylurea. The drug will have the much desired effect of blocking, to some extent, the potassium channels in the beta cells of the islets of langerhans. Consequently the actions initiated by this drug will improve calcium levels which ultimately increases more insulin from the beta cells. It was placed on the market in 1984. The pharmaceutical company Pfizer distributes the drug under the brand name Glucotrol within the United States. It is sold in doses of 5 and 10 milligrams. It is also sold under different generic names by other pharmaceutical companies world wide.

A Few Precautions

It is essential that you let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions:

Kidney disease
Liver disease
Thyroid disease
Type 1 diabetes
Any serious infection, disease, or injury
Will go to surgery immediately

If any of these situations apply to you, the doctor may decide not to prescribed glipizide. Alternatively the dosage may be modified and/or the doctor may insist on close monitoring while you’re being treated with the drug. Persons who are 65 years and older may also need modifications to the dosage amount.

It is not entirely known what effects glipizide may have on an unborn child. As a result if you are or may become pregnant inform your doctor; it is highly improbable that you will be prescribed this medication.

Taking the Medication

Glipizide is sold as tablets that will be taken orally. It is usually prescribed once a day, 30 minutes before the first meal of the day, preferably in the morning after breakfast. Make sure that you take the medication as indicated and ask your doctor or pharmacist to elucidate anything you do not understand about the dosage requirements. Be sure not to take above or below the amount that is prescribed. Taking too much may lead to possible complications, while taking too little will cause the drug to be likely ineffective.

The drug regimen must persist even if you are feeling better. If you stop unexpectedly this may disrupt the efficacy of treatment.

Side Effects

This medication may alter your blood sugar levels. You should be wary of the symptoms that correspond with high and low blood sugar (hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia) respectively, and ensure that in each situation you are able to manage the unwanted effects.

Your doctor will likely advise you what to do if you become hypoglycemic. It will be recommended that you check your blood sugar, consume or drink anything that contains sugar, for example, hard candy or fruit juice. Additionally, you may need to get medical attention if the symptoms are not alleviated with regular measures. Some effects of hypoglycemia may include:

Sweating
Shakiness
Numbness or strange sensations in the mouth area
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Clumsy or jerky movements
Nervousness or irritability
Sudden alterations in behaviour or mood
Headache
Weakness
Pale skin
Hunger

Storage

The medication should be stored in the original container, firmly sealed and in an area away from children. It should be stored at room temperature and protected from extreme heat or cold. Dispose of any medication that has expired as it will no longer maintain its useful properties.

Fexofenadine is normally found in the medications includingAllegra, Telfast, Fastofen and Tilfur. It is an antihistamine that is used in the treatment of hayfever and other allergic reactions. Fexofenadine does not easily traverse the blood-brain barrier, and subsequently will not cause sleepiness. It is indicated for the general relief of red, itchy, or watery eyes; runny nose; sneezing; itching of the throat or on the roof of the mouth. It may be taken by adults and children above the age of two years old. It may also be prescribed for the relief of symptoms associated with urticaria which induces hives and red, itchy elevated portions of the skin. It operates by blocking the unpleasant effects of histamine which is essentially a substance that triggers allergic reactions within the body.

Fexofenadine can be purchased as a tablet or as a liquid and will be taken orally. It may be swallowed in the case of the tablet with water no more than two times daily. Fexofenadine should not be taken with fruit juices such as orange, grapefruit, or apple juice as the acidic content may interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. It should be taken at the same time(s) everyday. In addition, ensure that you are taking it as prescribed. Have the doctor or pharmacist expound any thing that is not clear in relation to the dosage instructions. It is vital that you take it exactly as it has been prescribed to avoid any unnecessary complications.

It will lower the symptoms you experience as a result of seasonal allergic rhinitis and urticaria but will not cure either condition. Therefore, you will need to take it even when symptoms are no longer evident. Extending the period between doses may cause allergic symptoms to materialize. Always shake the liquid thoroughly before using it to promote a more consistent mixture.

Tell your doctor of certain pre-existing conditions like kidney disease and pregnancy. Be certain to let your doctor know what medications you are presently taking, if any, to avoid any unexpected reactions. Antacids that contain magnesium or aluminium will need to be taken a few hours before or a few hours after taking the medication.

Dosage

Children between the ages of 2–11 years will be required to take 30 mg twice daily

Children 12 years and older (including adults) will be prescribed 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once per day.

Patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria who are children between the ages of 6 months to 2 years will need to take 15 mg twice daily.

For the elderly the starting dose will be 60 mg once daily. This amount will be altered based on renal function i.e. possible kidney damage.

The medications will be available in these two forms:

Suspension in the amount 6 mg/mL (30 mL, 300 mL) (raspberry cream)

Tablet in the amount 30 mg, 60 mg, 180 mg

Side effects will include:

Drowsiness/sleepiness

Headache

Nausea

Abnormal bowel movements

Dizziness

Vomiting

Weakness

Fatigue

Diarrhea

In Case of Overdose

Overdose with this drug is rarely occurs, subsequently the effects of possible overdose are not well documented. When tested on laboratory mice none died because of surplus exposure, specifically when given 5000 mg/kg, of the drug. This amount is 110 times the amount recommended for human consumption. The amount used in laboratory tested rats would actually be the equivalent of an individual taking 400 times the prescribed dosage. When testing was done on humans with excessive dosages no additional adverse reactions occurred.

Drug Interactions

If fexofenadine is taken in conjunction with fluoxetine it may trigger drowsiness.