If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Glucotrol XL as a treatment option for you. It’s a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Glucotrol XL is prescribed along with diet and exercise to help manage blood sugar levels.

glipizide is an active ingredient in Glucotrol. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. You can take Glucotrol XL as a pill. It is part of a group of drugs called sulfonylureas.

This article describes the dosages of Glucotrol XL, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Glucotrol XL, see this in-depth article.

Always take the prescribed amount of Glucotrol.

Note: This chart highlights the basics of Glucotrol XL’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail.

Typical dosage Minimum dosage Maximum dosage
5 milligrams (mg) taken once daily 2.5 mg taken once daily with breakfast or your first meal of the day 20 mg taken once daily with breakfast or your first meal of the day

Please keep in mind that this article covers Glucotrol XL’s standard dosage schedule, which is provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe Glucotrol XL along with diet and exercise to help manage your blood sugar. Read below for more information about Glucotrol XL’s dosing.

What is Glucotrol XL’s form?

You can take Glucotrol XL as an extended-release tablet. The active drug is slowly released over a period of time.

What strengths does Glucotrol XL come in?

2.5 milligrams, 5 milligrams, and 10 milligrams are the strengths of Glucotrol.

What are the usual dosages of Glucotrol XL?

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They will prescribe the smallest dose that will provide the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for type 2 diabetes

The starting dose of Glucotrol is 5mg once daily with breakfast or your first meal of the day. The maximum daily dose is 20mg once daily with breakfast or your first meal of the day.

Is Glucotrol XL used long term?

Glucotrol is used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor agree that it is safe and effective for your condition, you will likely take it for a long time.

Dosage adjustments

If your doctor prescribes a lower dosage of Glucotrol, you should.

  • You are 65 years old.
  • you have certain health problems or take medications that increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Factors that may affect the Glucotrol XL dosage are listed below. These include:

  • The type and severity of the condition you are treating.
  • Your age.
  • You may have other conditions.

“You will take Glucotrol in the morning. If you don’t eat breakfast, you should take Glucotrol.”

Take the tablets whole. You should not chew them. The tablets are designed to slowly release the drug into your body. The risk of side effects can be increased by damaging the tablets.

You may see something that looks like a device. It is normal to see the empty shell of the tablet after it passes through your body.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Glucotrol XL, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

“If you can’t read the prescription label on your medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies have labels for medication.”

  • Large print or use of blind.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text to sound.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer accessibility features, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening bottles. They may be able to deliver Glucotrol in a container. They may have tips to make it easier to open the drug container.

If you miss a dose of Glucotrol XL, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so increases your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Glucotrol XL on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

If you take more than your doctor prescribes, you can end up with serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which may be mild or severe. Mild symptoms can be treated with oral glucose tablets. Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency. Symptoms can include:

What to do in case you take too much Glucotrol XL

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Glucotrol XL. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages provided by the drug manufacturer are described in the sections above. If your doctor recommends Glucotrol, they will prescribe the correct amount for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Glucotrol XL without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Glucotrol XL exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • “Will my dosage change if I don’t get enough work from Glucotrol?”
  • Do I have a higher risk of side effects if I take a higher dose of Glucotrol?
  • Can I take Glucotrol XL along with other medications for type 2 diabetes?

If you have type 2 diabetes, sign up for Healthline’s online newsletter for helpful tips and information. You can also join the Bezzy type 2 diabetes community to connect with others who have this condition.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.