Sulfonylurea (2nd generation)

Glipizide

Brand names: Glibenese, Minodiab

Glipizide is a short-acting sulfonylurea oral hypoglycaemic used to improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells by closing ATP-sensitive potassium channels, an effect dependent on residual beta-cell function.

Prescribing in practice

Hypoglycaemia is the principal hazard, especially in the elderly, those with renal or hepatic impairment, and when meals are missed.
Take shortly before food and use cautiously alongside other glucose-lowering agents that increase hypoglycaemia risk.
Weight gain may occur; review suitability against current prescribing references and individual patient factors.

Monitoring

Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c to guide titration, with closer review where hypoglycaemia risk is increased.

Counselling the patient

Recognise and treat hypoglycaemia (sweating, tremor, confusion) and always carry a fast-acting sugar source.
Do not skip meals after taking your tablet and limit alcohol, which increases low-glucose risk.
Continue diet, exercise and regular blood-glucose checks as advised.

Evidence & guidelines

Sulfonylureas are an established second-line option in type 2 diabetes within NICE management pathways.

Reference: NICE NG28; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways