Sulfonylurea (diabetes medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Glipizide is a diabetes medicine that works by telling your pancreas to produce more insulin, which helps lower the sugar level in your blood.
Binds to ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells, closing these channels and depolarizing the cell membrane to trigger insulin secretion. This increases circulating insulin levels, enhancing glucose uptake by peripheral tissues and reducing hepatic glucose production.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Usually start with 5mg once daily, taken about 30 minutes before breakfast. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually up to 20mg per day depending on your blood sugar levels. If your dose is more than 15mg daily, it is usually split into two doses — one before breakfast and one before dinner. Always take it before meals, not after.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but only if it is still before your next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once as this can cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low.
Always carry a small sugary snack or glucose sweet with you in case your blood sugar drops too low — symptoms include sudden sweating, shaking, and dizziness. Buy only from a licensed pharmacy and look for trusted brands like Betaglip Tablets — do not buy diabetes medicine from roadside sellers or unregistered shops. Do not share your diabetes medication with anyone else, even if they also have diabetes, as doses are tailored to each person.
Alcohol can make your blood sugar drop dangerously low when combined with glipizide — avoid drinking beer, palm wine, ogogoro, or any alcohol. NSAIDs like ibuprofen (e.g. Brufen) can increase the blood sugar-lowering effect and cause problems. Some antibiotics like fluconazole (used for fungal infections) can also increase glipizide's effect and cause low blood sugar.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Glipizide with your other drugs?
Glipizide is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor immediately as insulin is usually preferred.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep the container tightly closed and away from children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.