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.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. | Fenugreek* Ginkgo biloba Gymnema sylvestre* |
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. | Magnesium |
| Depletion or interference | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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.
Ginkgo biloba
In a preliminary trial, administration of Ginkgo biloba who were taking oral anti-diabetes medication resulted in a significant worsening of glucose tolerance. Ginkgo did not impair glucose tolerance in individuals whose diabetes was controlled by diet.5 Individuals taking oral anti-diabetes medication should consult a doctor before taking Ginkgo biloba.
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.6 Effective treatment of type 2 diabetes with glipizide includes adherence to recommended dietary guidelines.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
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. Kudolo GB. The effect of 3-month ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on pancreatic beta-cell function in response to glucose loading in individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Clin Pharmacol 2001;41:600–11.
6. 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.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2009.