Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's

Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's belongs to the class of anti-diabetic drugs. It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance) or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produces little or no insulin at all.

Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's is composed of two medicines, namely Glipizide and Metformin. Glipizide belongs to the class of sulfonylureas. It promotes insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas and reduces the glucose output from the liver.  It has the fastest absorption and onset of action compared to other sulfonylureas. Metformin belongs to the class of biguanides and is used to manage blood sugar levels, particularly in obese patients. It exhibits a non-pancreatic effect to reduce serum glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion. It is also known as an insulin sensitizer as it increases the effects of insulin.

Take Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's with food at regular intervals as prescribed by your doctor to avoid stomach upset. Your doctor will decide the dosage form, and this may change timely depending on your blood sugar levels. The common side effects of Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, cold sweats, stomach pain, weight gain, and oedema (swelling). Although not everyone experiences these side effects, if they occur, seek medical attention. Lactic acidosis, is a rare, but serious metabolic complication of excess lactic acid in the blood that is caused by metformin accumulation is reported. The risk of lactic acidosis is high in people with kidney, liver, and heart diseases.

Before starting Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of anaemia (low haemoglobin levels), seizures (fits), heart, kidney, and liver diseases. Also, speak to your doctor if you are on restricted food or fluid intake since Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's causes dehydration, low blood sugar, and kidney damage. Do not take or stop this medicine, if the doctor did not advise you to do so.

Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a combination of Glipizide and Metformin. Glipizide is effective in treating low blood sugar levels when used as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It promotes insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas and reduces the glucose output from the liver. It also exhibits an extrapancreatic effect by improving insulin sensitivity at peripheral sites like muscle, fat, or liver cells. Metformin shows a non-pancreatic effect to reduce serum glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion. It is also known as an insulin sensitizer as it increases the effects of insulin. It is considered to be a unique anti-diabetic drug since it does not lower blood sugar levels.

Common side effects:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Cold sweats
• Stomach pain
• Weight gain
• Oedema (swelling)

Rare side effects:

• Lactic acidosis

Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's can cause weight gain hence possible measures like eating healthy food and exercising are advised. It may also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypoglycemic conditions in renal and liver disease patients. Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's sometimes causes impairment of vitamin b12 absorption and results in anaemia (low haemoglobin levels). Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's has an increased risk of lactic acidosis. The risk of lactic acidosis is high in older people with kidney, liver and heart diseases. Hence, brief your medical history and take advice from your doctor before starting Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's. Avoid consuming excessive alcohol as it can potentiate lactic acidosis.

Drug-Drug Interaction: Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's may interact with pain killers (aspirin), anti-diabetics (glipizide, sitagliptin, insulin glargine), drugs that treat fluid retention (furosemide), medicines used to treat high blood pressure (metoprolol), and thyroid hormones (levothyroxine). Please check the instruction leaflet that comes with the medication before you take Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's.

Drug-Food Interaction: Limit alcohol intake since it affects blood sugar levels. Avoid fatty foods and include healthy carbohydrates in your diet.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Tell your doctor before taking Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines, renal dysfunction, liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and gastrointestinal obstruction (GI narrowing).

• ASPIRIN
• GLIPIZIDE
• SITAGLIPTIN
• INSULIN GLARGINE
• FUROSEMIDE
• METOPROLOL
• LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM

• Maintain a fiber-rich diet and include healthy carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and whole grains to maintain your blood glucose levels.
• Eat at regular intervals
• Keep a check on your weight and exercise regularly to keep your heart healthy.
• Your doctor also guides you on how to notice and manage the early symptoms of high/low blood sugar levels.
• Gastrointestinal side effects can be managed with simple modifications in your lifestyle. These include cutting down on sugars and fatty foods, and avoiding carbonated drinks and foods that cause gas.

Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Glucotrol MF 5 mg Tablet 10's to monitor blood sugar levels.

Diabetes mellitus, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is a type 2 diabetes and occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance) or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produces little or no insulin at all. This disease mostly occurs in people aged above 40 years, but can also occur in childhood based on the risk factors. The treatment includes oral glucose-lowering medicines and insulin shots.