Drug Uses

Glucotrol XL is primarily used in treating type II diabetes. Glucotrol may be used on a standalone basis or in combination with other anti diabetic medicines. Glucotrol XL is used along with a proper diet and exercises. You may use it for treating other condition if prescribed by your doctor.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You should take Glucotrol XL 30 minutes before taking a meal and you should not contain any medicines containing charcoal till 2 hours of using Glucotrol XL.

Please drink a full glass of water with Glucotrol XL.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Glucotrol XL at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Glucotrol XL if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Glucotrol, if you are debilitated, have a high fever, have a severe infection, have suffered from severe trauma (eg, injury), or will be having surgery, if you have certain hormonal problems (eg, adrenal or pituitary problems), an electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, or high blood pressure, have stomach or bowel problems, severe diarrhea, or are malnourished , if you have liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart problems.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. You should stop consuming Glucotrol XL from about one month before your due date.

Glucotrol XL may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Glucotrol XL. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Glucotrol XL. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Glucotrol XL before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

Glucotrol XL is not useful for treating type I diabetes. Being a diabetic patient, it is always advisable that you carry an ID card on person that mentions about your condition and Glucotrol XL usage.

For best results, it is important to bring about lifestyle changes and pair it with Glucotrol XL. A healthy diet and regular exercise can work wonders with the way you respond to treatment.

Your blood sugar must be monitored regularly and if you find the levels of blood sugar fluctuating despite the treatment with Glucotrol XL, then consult your doctor.

In some cases, it may lead to Low Blood Sugar. Symptoms like rapid heartbeats, vision changes, headaches, chills, or tremors, hunger are signs of your blood sugar plummeting low. If you notice any of these symptoms then quickly consume a source of sugar (table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non–diet soda) as this will help elevate your sugar levels quickly. Now seek medical attention.

Have your meals on time and you can easily avoid low blood sugar.

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Glucotrol XL to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Glucotrol XL as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.

The safety and effectiveness of Glucotrol XL cannot be ascertained and therefore Glucotrol XL should be used in caution in children.