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Glipizide

Also indexed as: Glucotrol®

Glipizide is a sulfonylurea drug used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Magnesium
In a study of people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and low blood levels of magnesium, treatment with glipizide was associated with a significant rise in magnesium levels.1 In a randomized trial with eight healthy people, 850 mg magnesium hydroxide increased glipizide absorption and activity.2 In theory, such changes could be therapeutic or detrimental under varying circumstances. Therefore, people taking glipizide should consult with their doctor before taking magnesium supplements.

Interactions with Herbs

Fenugreek  (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
In a randomized study of 15 patients with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, fenugreek (100 grams per day for ten days) was reported to reduce blood sugar, urinary sugar excretion, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides, with no change in insulin levels, compared with ten days of placebo.3 In a study of 60 people with type 2 diabetes, fenugreek (25 grams per day for 24 weeks) was reported to significantly reduce blood glucose levels.4 People using glipizide should talk with their doctor before making any therapy changes.

Gymnema sylvestre
Herbs such as Gymnema sylvestre will often improve blood-sugar control in diabetics.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Glipizide works best when taken 30 minutes before meals.5 Effective treatment of type 2 diabetes with glipizide includes adherence to recommended dietary guidelines.

Summary of Interactions for Glipizide

Depletion or interference None known
Adverse interaction Fenugreek*
Gymnema sylvestre*
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known
Other (see text) Magnesium

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. McBain AM, Brown IR, Menzies DG, Campbell IW. Effects of improved glycaemic control on calcium and magnesium homeostasis in type II diabetes. J Clin Pathol 1988;41:933–5.

2. Kivisto KT, Neuvonen PJ. Enhancement of absorption and effect of glipizide by magnesium hydroxide. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1991;49:39–43.

3. Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Sudhakar Rao N. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type 1 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 1990;44:301–6.

4. Sharma RD, Sakar A, Hazra DK, et al. Use of fenugreek seed powder in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Nutr Res 1996;16:1131–9.

5. Wahlin-Boll E, Melander A, Sartor G, Schersten B. Influence of food intake on the absorption and effect of glipizide in diabetics and in healthy subjects. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1980;18:279–83.