Glucotrol XL has a relatively narrow registered footprint, available in nine countries spread across North America, East Asia, and Eastern Europe — among them the United States, China, Russia, Turkey, and Romania. The brand has not been broadly internationalised, and travellers outside this cluster of markets are unlikely to find this specific brand on a pharmacy shelf, even where the underlying active ingredient is widely sold.
The active ingredient in Glucotrol XL is glipizide, classified as an oral hypoglycaemic medication used in the management of diabetes mellitus. Glipizide-containing products belong to the broader category of oral antidiabetic agents prescribed as part of a long-term treatment plan, and the molecule itself is well established in clinical use across many regulatory regions.
Outside the nine countries where Glucotrol XL is registered, glipizide is generally available under different brand names or as a generic, depending on the local market. A patient who has been prescribed Glucotrol XL at home and is now travelling, relocating, or running low on supply abroad will often find an equivalent glipizide product in the destination country — though it will likely carry a different brand name, and other oral hypoglycaemic molecules in the same class are also widely sold internationally.
A local pharmacist familiar with the regional formulary is the right person to identify the appropriate equivalent product, and a physician familiar with the patient's diabetes management is the right person to authorise any substitution. Adjustments to antidiabetic therapy should not be improvised across borders; they belong in a consultation with a healthcare provider who knows the patient's history.
Overdosage of sulfonylureas including GLUCOTROL XL can produce severe hypoglycemia. Mild hypoglycemic symptoms without loss of consciousness or neurologic findings should be treated with oral glucose. Severe hypoglycemic reactions with coma, seizure, or other neurological impairment are medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment. The patient should be treated with glucagon or intravenous glucose. Patients should be closely monitored for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours since hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Clearance of glipizide from plasma may be prolonged in persons with liver disease. Because of the extensive protein binding of glipizide, dialysis is unlikely to be of benefit.
Glipizide is contraindicated in patients with:
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail below and elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
In clinical trials, 580 patients from 31 to 87 years of age received GLUCOTROL XL in doses from 5 mg to 60 mg in both controlled and open trials. The dosages above 20 mg are not recommended dosages. In these trials, approximately 180 patients were treated with GLUCOTROL XL for at least 6 months.
Table 1 summarizes the incidence of adverse reactions, other than hypoglycemia, that were reported in pooled double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in ≥3% of GLUCOTROL XL-treated patients and more commonly than in patients who received placebo.
Table 1: Incidence (%) of Adverse Reactions Reported
in ≥3% of Patients Treated in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials and More
Commonly in Patients Treated with GLUCOTROL XL (Excluding Hypoglycemia)
| Adverse Effect | GLUCOTROL XL (%) (N=278) |
Placebo (%) (N=69) |
| Dizziness | 6.8 | 5.8 |
| Diarrhea | 5.4 | 0.0 |
| Nervousness | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Tremor | 3.6 | 0.0 |
| Flatulence | 3.2 | 1.4 |
Of the 580 patients that received GLUCOTROL XL in clinical trials, 3.4% had hypoglycemia documented by a blood-glucose measurement <60 mg/dL and/or symptoms believed to be associated with hypoglycemia and 2.6% of patients discontinued for this reason. Hypoglycemia was not reported for any placebo patients.
Gastrointestinal ReactionsIn clinical trials, the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects (nausea, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia), occurred in less than 3% of GLUCOTROL XL-treated patients and were more common in GLUCOTROL XL-treated patients than those receiving placebo.
Dermatologic ReactionsIn clinical trials, allergic skin reactions, i.e., urticaria occurred in less than 1.5% of treated patients and were more common in GLUCOTROL XL treated patients than those receiving placebo. These may be transient and may disappear despite continued use of glipizide XL; if skin reactions persist, the drug should be discontinued.
Laboratory TestsMild to moderate elevations of ALT, LDH, alkaline phosphatase, BUN and creatinine have been noted. The relationship of these abnormalities to glipizide is uncertain.
Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of GLUCOTROL XL. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
GLUCOTROL XL is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes  mellitus.
Limitations Of UseGLUCOTROL XL is not recommended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.
The insulinotropic response to a meal is enhanced with GLUCOTROL XL administration in diabetic patients. The postprandial insulin and C-peptide responses continue to be enhanced after at least 6 months of treatment. In two randomized, double-blind, dose-response studies comprising a total of 347 patients, there was no significant increase in fasting insulin in all GLUCOTROL XL-treated patients combined compared to placebo, although minor elevations were observed at some doses.
In studies of GLUCOTROL XL in subjects with type 2 diabete mellitus, once daily administration produced reductions in hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose and postprandial glucose. The relationship between dose and reduction in hemoglobin A1c was not established, however subjects treated with 20 mg had a greater reduction in fasting plasma glucose compared to subjects treated with 5 mg.
The absolute bioavailability of glipizide was 100% after single oral doses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Beginning 2 to 3 hours after administration of GLUCOTROL XL, plasma drug concentrations gradually rise reaching maximum concentrations within 6 to 12 hours after dosing. With subsequent once daily dosing of GLUCOTROL XL, plasma glipizide concentrations are maintained throughout the 24 hour dosing interval with less peak to trough fluctuation than that observed with twice daily dosing of immediate release glipizide.
The mean relative bioavailability of glipizide in 21 males with type 2 diabetes mellitus after administration of 20 mg GLUCOTROL XL, compared to immediate release Glucotrol (10 mg given twice daily), was 90% at steady-state. Steady-state plasma concentrations were achieved by at least the fifth day of dosing with GLUCOTROL XL in 21 males with type 2 diabetes mellitus and patients younger than 65 years. No accumulation of drug was observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during chronic dosing with GLUCOTROL XL.
Administration of GLUCOTROL XL with food has no effect on the 2 to 3 hour lag time in drug absorption. In a single dose, food effect study in 21 healthy male subjects, the administration of GLUCOTROL XL immediately before a high fat breakfast resulted in a 40% increase in the glipizide mean Cmax value, which was significant, but the effect on the AUC was not significant. There was no change in glucose response between the fed and fasting state. Markedly reduced GI retention times of the GLUCOTROL XL tablets over prolonged periods (e.g., short bowel syndrome) may influence the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug and potentially result in lower plasma concentrations.
In a multiple dose study in 26 males with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the pharmacokinetics of glipizide were linear with GLUCOTROL XL in that the plasma drug concentrations increased proportionately with dose. In a single dose study in 24 healthy subjects, four 5-mg, two 10-mg, and one 20-mg GLUCOTROL XL tablets were bioequivalent. In a separate single dose study in 36 healthy subjects, four 2.5-mg GLUCOTROL XL tablets were bioequivalent to one 10-mg GLUCOTROL XL tablet.
DistributionThe mean volume of distribution was approximately 10 liters after single intravenous doses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glipizide is 98–99% bound to serum proteins, primarily to albumin.
MetabolismThe major metabolites of glipizide are products of aromatic hydroxylation and have no hypoglycemic activity. A minor metabolite, an acetylamino-ethyl benzene derivative, which accounts for less than 2% of a dose, is reported to have 1/10 to 1/3 as much hypoglycemic activity as the parent compound.
EliminationGlipizide is eliminated primarily by hepatic biotransformation: less than 10% of a dose is excreted as unchanged drug in urine and feces; approximately 90% of a dose is excreted as biotransformation products in urine (80%) and feces (10%). The mean total body clearance of glipizide was approximately 3 liters per hour after single intravenous doses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mean terminal elimination half-life of glipizide ranged from 2 to 5 hours after single or multiple doses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Glipizide was found to be mildly fetotoxic in rat reproductive studies at all dose levels (5–50 mg/kg). This fetotoxicity has been similarly noted with other sulfonylureas, such as tolbutamide and tolazamide. The effect is perinatal and believed to be directly related to the pharmacologic (hypoglycemic) action of glipizide. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. GLUCOTROL XL should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nonteratogenic EffectsProlonged severe hypoglycemia (4 to 10 days) has been reported in neonates born to mothers who were receiving a sulfonylurea drug at the time of delivery. This has been reported more frequently with the use of agents with prolonged half-lives. If glipizide is used during pregnancy, it should be discontinued at least one month before the expected delivery date.
2.5 mg, blue and imprinted with “GLUCOTROL XL 2.5” or “GXL 2.5” on one side
5 mg, white and imprinted with “GLUCOTROL XL 5” or “GXL 5” on one side
10 mg, white and imprinted with “GLUCOTROL XL 10” or “GXL 10” on one side
Storage And HandlingGLUCOTROL XL (glipizide) Extended Release Tablets are supplied as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg round, biconvex tablets and imprinted with black ink as follows:
Table 2: GLUCOTROL XL Tablet Presentations
| Tablet Strength | Tablet Color/ Shape | Tablet Markings | Package Size | NDC Code |
| 2.5 mg | Blue Round Biconvex | imprinted with “GLUCOTROL XL 2.5” on one side | Bottles of 30 | NDC 00491620-30 |
| imprinted with “GXL 2.5” on one side | Bottles of 30 | NDC 00490170-01 | ||
| 5 mg | White Round Biconvex | imprinted with “GLUCOTROL XL 5” on one side | Bottles of 100 | NDC 00491550-66 |
| Bottles of 500 | NDC 0049-1550-73 | |||
| imprinted with “GXL 5” on one side | Bottles of 100 | NDC 00490174-02 | ||
| Bottles of 500 | NDC 0049-0174-03 | |||
| 10 mg | White Round Biconvex | imprinted with “GLUCOTROL XL 10” on one side | Bottles of 100 | NDC 00491560-66 |
| Bottles of 500 | NDC 0049-1560-73 | |||
| imprinted with “GXL 10” on one side | Bottles of 100 | NDC 00490178-07 | ||
| Bottles of 500 | NDC 0049-0178-08 |
The tablets should be protected from moisture and humidity. Store at 68-77°F (20-25°C); excursions permitted between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
REFERENCES
1. Diabetes, 19, SUPP. 2: 747–830, 1970
Distributed by: Roerig, Division of Pfizer Inc., NY, NY 10017. Revised: Aug 2017
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS HypoglycemiaAll sulfonylurea drugs, including GLUCOTROL XL, are capable of producing severe hypoglycemia. Concomitant use of GLUCOTROL XL with other anti-diabetic medication can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. A lower dose of GLUCOTROL XL may be required to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia when combining it with other anti-diabetic medications.
Educate patients to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. When initiating and increasing GLUCOTROL XL in patients who may be predisposed to hypoglycemia (e.g., the elderly, patients with renal impairment, patients on other anti-diabetic medications) start at 2.5 mg. Debilitated or malnourished patients, and those with adrenal, pituitary, or hepatic impairment are particularly susceptible to the hypoglycemic action of anti-diabetic medications. Hypoglycemia is also more likely to occur when caloric intake is deficient, after severe or prolonged exercise, or when alcohol is ingested.
The patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycemia. Early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may be different or less pronounced in patients with autonomic neuropathy, the elderly, and in patients who are taking beta-adrenergic blocking medications or other sympatholytic agents. These situations may result in severe hypoglycemia before the patient is aware of the hypoglycemia.
These impairments may present a risk in situations where these abilities are especially important, such as driving or operating other machinery. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness or convulsions and may result in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function or death.
Hemolytic AnemiaTreatment of patients with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency with sulfonylurea agents, including GLUCOTROL XL, can lead to hemolytic anemia. Avoid use of GLUCOTROL XL in patients with G6PD deficiency. In post marketing reports, hemolytic anemia has also been reported in patients who did not have known G6PD deficiency.
Increased Risk Of Cardiovascular Mortality With SulfonylureasThe administration of oral hypoglycemic drugs has been reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality as compared to treatment with diet alone or diet plus insulin. This warning is based on the study conducted by the University Group Diabetes Program (UGDP), a long-term prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of glucose-lowering drugs in preventing or delaying vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study involved 823 patients who were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups.
UGDP reported that patients treated for 5 to 8 years with diet plus a fixed dose of tolbutamide (1.5 grams per day) had a rate of cardiovascular mortality approximately 2½ times that of patients treated with diet alone. A significant increase in total mortality was not observed, but the use of tolbutamide was discontinued based on the increase in cardiovascular mortality, thus limiting the opportunity for the study to show an increase in overall mortality. Despite controversy regarding the interpretation of these results, the findings of the UGDP study provide an adequate basis for this warning. The patient should be informed of the potential risks and advantages of glipizide and of alternative modes of therapy.
Although only one drug in the sulfonylurea class (tolbutamide) was included in this study, it is prudent from a safety standpoint to consider that this warning may also apply to other oral hypoglycemic drugs in this class, in view of their close similarities in mode of action and chemical structure.
Macrovascular OutcomesThere have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with GLUCOTROL XL or any other anti-diabetic drug.
Gastrointestinal ObstructionThere have been reports of obstructive symptoms in patients with known strictures in association with the ingestion of another drug with this non-dissolvable extended release formulation. Avoid use of GLUCOTROL XL in patients with preexisting severe gastrointestinal narrowing (pathologic or iatrogenic).
Patient Counseling InformationAdvise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Inform patients of the potential adverse reactions of GLUCOTROL XL including hypoglycemia. Explain the risks of hypoglycemia, its symptoms and treatment, and conditions that predispose to its development to patients and responsible family members. Also inform patients about the importance of adhering to dietary instructions, of a regular exercise program, and of regular testing of glycemic control.
Inform patients that GLUCOTROL XL should be swallowed whole. Inform patients that they should not chew, divide or crush tablets and they may occasionally notice in their stool something that looks like a tablet. In the GLUCOTROL XL tablet, the medication is contained within a non-dissolvable shell that has been specially designed to slowly release the drug so the body can absorb it.
Advise patients with diabetes to inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant, contemplating pregnancy, breastfeeding, or contemplating breastfeeding.
This product's label may have been updated. For full prescribing information, please visit www.pfizer.com.
Nonclinical Toxicology Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of FertilityA twenty month study in rats and an eighteen month study in mice at doses up to 75 times the maximum human dose revealed no evidence of drug-related carcinogenicity. Bacterial and in vivo mutagenicity tests were uniformly negative. Studies in rats of both sexes at doses up to 75 times the human dose showed no effects on fertility.
Use In Specific Populations Pregnancy Pregnancy Category CGlipizide was found to be mildly fetotoxic in rat reproductive studies at all dose levels (5–50 mg/kg). This fetotoxicity has been similarly noted with other sulfonylureas, such as tolbutamide and tolazamide. The effect is perinatal and believed to be directly related to the pharmacologic (hypoglycemic) action of glipizide. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. GLUCOTROL XL should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nonteratogenic EffectsProlonged severe hypoglycemia (4 to 10 days) has been reported in neonates born to mothers who were receiving a sulfonylurea drug at the time of delivery. This has been reported more frequently with the use of agents with prolonged half-lives. If glipizide is used during pregnancy, it should be discontinued at least one month before the expected delivery date.
Nursing MothersIt is not known whether GLUCOTROL XL is excreted in human milk. Because the potential for hypoglycemia in nursing infants may exist, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Geriatric UseThere were no overall differences in effectiveness or safety between younger and older patients, but greater sensitivity of some individuals cannot be ruled out. Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to the hypoglycemic action of anti-diabetic agents. Hypoglycemia may be difficult to recognize in these patients. Therefore, dosing should be conservative to avoid hypoglycemia.
Hepatic ImpairmentThere is no information regarding the effects of hepatic impairment on the disposition of glipizide. However, since glipizide is highly protein bound and hepatic biotransformation is the predominant route of elimination, the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of glipizide may be altered in patients with hepatic impairment. If hypoglycemia occurs in such patients, it may be prolonged and appropriate management should be instituted.
GLUCOTROL XL should be administered orally with breakfast or the first main meal of the day.
The recommended starting dose of GLUCOTROL XL is 5 mg once daily. Start patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia (e.g. the elderly or patients with hepatic insufficiency) at 2.5 mg.
Dosage adjustment can be made based on the patient's glycemic control. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once daily.
Patients receiving immediate release glipizide may be switched to GLUCOTROL XL once daily at the nearest equivalent total daily dose.
Use With Other Glucose Lowering AgentsWhen adding GLUCOTROL XL to other anti-diabetic drugs, initiate GLUCOTROL XL at 5 mg once daily. Start patients at increased risk for hypoglycemia at a lower dose.
When colesevelam is coadministered with glipizide ER, maximum plasma concentration and total exposure to glipizide is reduced. Therefore, GLUCOTROL XL should be administered at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam.
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail below and elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
In clinical trials, 580 patients from 31 to 87 years of age received GLUCOTROL XL in doses from 5 mg to 60 mg in both controlled and open trials. The dosages above 20 mg are not recommended dosages. In these trials, approximately 180 patients were treated with GLUCOTROL XL for at least 6 months.
Table 1 summarizes the incidence of adverse reactions, other than hypoglycemia, that were reported in pooled double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in ≥3% of GLUCOTROL XL-treated patients and more commonly than in patients who received placebo.
Table 1: Incidence (%) of Adverse Reactions Reported
in ≥3% of Patients Treated in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials and More
Commonly in Patients Treated with GLUCOTROL XL (Excluding Hypoglycemia)
| Adverse Effect | GLUCOTROL XL (%) (N=278) |
Placebo (%) (N=69) |
| Dizziness | 6.8 | 5.8 |
| Diarrhea | 5.4 | 0.0 |
| Nervousness | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Tremor | 3.6 | 0.0 |
| Flatulence | 3.2 | 1.4 |
Of the 580 patients that received GLUCOTROL XL in clinical trials, 3.4% had hypoglycemia documented by a blood-glucose measurement <60 mg/dL and/or symptoms believed to be associated with hypoglycemia and 2.6% of patients discontinued for this reason. Hypoglycemia was not reported for any placebo patients.
Gastrointestinal ReactionsIn clinical trials, the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects (nausea, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia), occurred in less than 3% of GLUCOTROL XL-treated patients and were more common in GLUCOTROL XL-treated patients than those receiving placebo.
Dermatologic ReactionsIn clinical trials, allergic skin reactions, i.e., urticaria occurred in less than 1.5% of treated patients and were more common in GLUCOTROL XL treated patients than those receiving placebo. These may be transient and may disappear despite continued use of glipizide XL; if skin reactions persist, the drug should be discontinued.
Laboratory TestsMild to moderate elevations of ALT, LDH, alkaline phosphatase, BUN and creatinine have been noted. The relationship of these abnormalities to glipizide is uncertain.
Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of GLUCOTROL XL. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
A number of medications affect glucose metabolism and may require GLUCOTROL XL dose adjustment and close monitoring for hypoglycemia or worsening glycemic control.
The following are examples of medication that may increase the glucose lowering effect of GLUCOTROL XL, increase the susceptibility to and/or intensity of hypoglycemia: antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, propoxyphene, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), sulfonamide antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, chloramphenicol, probenecid, coumarins, voriconazole, H2 receptor antagonists, and quinolones. When these medications are administered to a patient receiving GLUCOTROL XL, monitor the patient closely for hypoglycemia. When these medications are discontinued from a patient receiving GLUCOTROL XL, monitor the patient closely for worsening glycemic control.
The following are examples of medication that may reduce the glucose-lowering effect of GLUCOTROL XL, leading to worsening glycemic control: atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), thyroid hormones, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, and calcium channel blocking drugs. When such drugs are administered to patients receiving GLUCOTROL XL, monitor the patients closely for worsening glycemic control. When these medications are discontinued from patients receiving GLUCOTROL XL, monitor the patient closely for hypoglycemia.
Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and reserpine may lead to either potentiation or weakening of the glucose-lowering effect. Increased frequency of monitoring may be required when GLUCOTROL XL is co-administered with these drugs.
The signs of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent in patients taking sympatholytic drugs such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine. Increased frequency of monitoring may be required when GLUCOTROL XL is co-administered with these drugs.
MiconazoleMonitor patients closely for hypoglycemia when Glucotrol XL is co-administered with miconazole. A potential interaction between oral miconazole and oral hypoglycemic agents leading to severe hypoglycemia has been reported.
FluconazoleMonitor patients closely for hypoglycemia when Glucotrol XL is co-administered with fluconazole. Concomitant treatment with fluconazole increases plasma concentrations of glipizide, which may lead to hypoglycemia.
ColesevelamGLUCOTROL XL should be administered at least 4 hours prior to the administration of colesevelam. Colesevelam can reduce the maximum plasma concentration and total exposure of glipizide when the two are coadministered.
Glucotrol XL is prescribed in the management of diabetes mellitus. Glipizide belongs to the class of oral hypoglycaemic medications, used as part of a broader treatment plan that typically also involves dietary measures and lifestyle adjustments determined by the prescribing physician. The structured indication section further down this page lists the specific registered uses recognised by national regulators in the countries where Glucotrol XL is sold.
Glucotrol XL contains glipizide, an oral hypoglycaemic agent used in the management of diabetes mellitus. Glipizide is the same molecule whether sold under the Glucotrol XL brand or as a generic, and the active ingredient circulates internationally under several different commercial names depending on the manufacturer and the regulatory market in question.
Glucotrol XL has a relatively narrow international footprint and is registered in nine countries. Examples include the United States, China, Russia, Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria — a mix of North American, East Asian, and Eastern European markets. If your country is not on this list, a local pharmacist can usually confirm whether a glipizide-containing product is available under a different brand name.
Glipizide is sold under several brand names worldwide, particularly in markets where the original patent has expired and multiple manufacturers produce glipizide-containing products in parallel. Other oral hypoglycaemic medications in the same broad class also exist internationally, though molecules within the class are not freely interchangeable. To identify a regional product, search the active ingredient on Pill2Trip or speak to a local pharmacist.
Yes. Glucotrol XL is a prescription medication, and oral hypoglycaemic therapy is calibrated to a patient's full clinical picture, including blood glucose patterns, concurrent medications, and individual circumstances. This is particularly relevant for travellers and people relocating between countries, since brand availability, generic options, and prescription requirements differ across regulatory regimes. Any decision to start, stop, switch, or substitute glipizide should sit with a healthcare provider.
