Glynase XL 5 Mg Tablets

Description

Glynase XL 5 Mg Tablets

Glynase XL 5 Mg Tablets contain glipizide 5 mg in an extended-release (XL) formulation. Glipizide is a second-generation sulphonylurea oral antidiabetic agent used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The extended-release formulation provides once-daily dosing, reducing post-meal blood glucose peaks while minimising early-morning and interprandial hypoglycaemia compared with immediate-release glipizide.

Composition

About the Manufacturer

Glynase XL is manufactured by USV Private Limited, an Indian pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai with a strong focus on metabolic disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and thyroid disease. USV distributes medicines to regulated and semi-regulated markets worldwide.

Mechanism of Action

Glipizide stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells by binding to and closing ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in the beta-cell membrane. This causes membrane depolarisation, opening of voltage-gated calcium channels, calcium influx, and exocytosis of insulin-containing granules. The resulting increase in insulin secretion lowers blood glucose. Glipizide also reduces hepatic glucose output and may enhance peripheral tissue insulin sensitivity with long-term use.

Indications

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, as an adjunct to diet and exercise
• Used alone or in combination with other oral antidiabetics or insulin when monotherapy is insufficient

Dosage & Administration

• Swallow tablets whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split
• Take once daily with breakfast (the first main meal of the day)
• Starting dose: 5 mg once daily
• Dose may be increased in 5 mg increments every 3 months based on glycaemic response; maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once daily
• For transfer from immediate-release glipizide or other sulphonylureas, start with 5 mg once daily and titrate
• Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c regularly

Special Populations

• Elderly (>65 years): Start at 5 mg once daily with caution; at higher risk of hypoglycaemia; monitor frequently
• Renal impairment: Use with caution; glipizide and metabolites may accumulate; hypoglycaemia risk increases
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; hepatic disease may impair gluconeogenesis (increasing hypoglycaemia risk) and drug metabolism
• Children: Not indicated for type 2 diabetes in paediatric patients
• Pregnancy: Not recommended; insulin is preferred for glycaemic control during pregnancy

Precautions

• Hypoglycaemia: most common and potentially serious adverse effect; ensure patients understand symptoms (sweating, trembling, dizziness, confusion) and management
• Patients must maintain regular meal timing; skipping meals increases hypoglycaemia risk
• Sulphonylureas may cause weight gain; dietary counselling recommended
• Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency may be at increased risk of haemolytic anaemia with sulphonylureas
• Secondary failure: glycaemic control may decline over time as beta-cell function deteriorates; reassess treatment regularly

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to glipizide, other sulphonylureas, or any excipient
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Severe renal or hepatic impairment
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Side Effects

• Very common: Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• Common: Weight gain, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, dizziness
• Less common: Elevated liver enzymes, skin reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria)
• Rare: Haemolytic anaemia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hyponatraemia (dilutional)

Drug Interactions

• Beta-blockers: May mask tachycardia of hypoglycaemia; non-selective beta-blockers may also prolong hypoglycaemia
• Fluconazole, miconazole, NSAIDs, sulphonamides, warfarin: May enhance hypoglycaemic effect of glipizide
• Rifampicin, phenytoin, corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics: May reduce glycaemic control; dose adjustment may be required
• ACE inhibitors: May enhance glucose-lowering effect; monitor for hypoglycaemia
• Alcohol: Potentiates hypoglycaemia; advise patients to drink alcohol with food

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Related Products

• Glynase XL 10 Mg Tablets – higher-strength glipizide XL for type 2 diabetes
• Glycomet SR 500 Mg Tablets – metformin sustained-release for type 2 diabetes
• Huminsulin 70/30 100 IU – premixed human insulin for intensive diabetes management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glynase XL 5 Mg used for?

Glynase XL 5 Mg is used to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. It is used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, and may be combined with other diabetes medicines when blood sugar remains uncontrolled.

When should I take Glynase XL 5 Mg?

Glynase XL 5 Mg should be taken once daily with breakfast (the first main meal of the day). Taking it with food helps reduce the risk of low blood sugar and stomach upset. Take it at the same time each day for best results.

What are the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)?

Symptoms include sweating, shaking or trembling, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, weakness, hunger, blurred vision, and confusion. Treat promptly with a fast-acting sugar source such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or a sugary drink. If symptoms are severe or consciousness is impaired, seek emergency medical help.

Can I crush or split Glynase XL tablets?

No. Glynase XL is an extended-release tablet and must be swallowed whole. Crushing, chewing, or splitting the tablet destroys the controlled-release mechanism, causing the full dose to be released at once and significantly increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Can I take Glynase XL with metformin?

Yes. Glipizide and metformin work by different mechanisms and are commonly prescribed together when either alone does not provide adequate blood sugar control. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate doses of each. The combination does increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, so regular blood glucose monitoring is important.

References

1. NHS – Glipizide
2. MedlinePlus – Glipizide
3. FDA – Glipizide Extended-Release Prescribing Information
4. EMA – Glipizide-Containing Medicinal Products Assessment

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Glynase XL 5 Mg Tablets should be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Never skip meals or adjust insulin or antidiabetic doses without medical guidance.