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Glucotrol (GLIPIZIDE)

Pfizer · FDA-approved approved Small molecule Quality 62/100

Glucotrol works by binding to the sulfonylurea receptor 1, Kir6.2, to stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cells.

Glucotrol (Glyburide) is a sulfonylurea medication originally developed by Pfizer and currently owned by the same company. It targets the sulfonylurea receptor 1, Kir6.2, to stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cells. Glucotrol is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and is available as a generic medication due to its off-patent status. The medication has a bioavailability of 95% and a half-life of 3.3 hours. As a result, it is widely available from multiple generic manufacturers.

At a glance

Generic nameGLIPIZIDE
SponsorPfizer
Drug classSulfonylurea [EPC]
TargetSulfonylurea receptor 1, Kir6.2
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaMetabolic
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval1984

Mechanism of action

Mechanism of Action:. The primary mode of action of glipizide in experimental animals appears to be the stimulation of insulin secretion from the beta cells of pancreatic islet tissue and is thus dependent on functioning beta cells in the pancreatic islets. In humans glipizide appears to lower the blood glucose acutely by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, an effect dependent upon functioning beta cells in the pancreatic islets. The mechanism by which glipizide lowers blood glucose during long-term administration has not been clearly established. In man, stimulation of insulin secretion by glipizide in response to meal is undoubtedly of major importance. Fasting insulin levels are not elevated even on long-term glipizide administration, but the postprandial insulin response continues to be enhanced after at least months of treatment. The insulinotropic response to meal occurs within 30 minutes after an oral dose of glipizide in diabetic patients, but elevated insulin

Approved indications

Common side effects

Drug interactions

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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