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Professional Information — Glipizide And Metformin Hydrochloride 93 7456 5

Full FDA prescribing details for healthcare professionals.

Last updated · May 16, 2026Source: DailyMed ↗
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Highlights of Prescribing InformationRevised: Apr 28, 2026

Patient Information Leaflet

Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride

(glip'-i-zyde and met-for'-min hye"-dro-klor'-ide)

Tablets, USP

WARNING:

A small number of people who have taken metformin hydrochloride have developed a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you have severe kidney problems. (see Question Nos. 9 to 12).

Q1.  Why do I need to take Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets?

Your doctor has prescribed glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets to treat your type 2 diabetes. This is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Q2. What is type 2 diabetes?

People with diabetes are not able to make enough insulin and/or respond normally to the insulin their body does make. When this happens, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood. This can lead to serious medical problems, including kidney damage, amputations, and blindness. Diabetes is also closely linked to heart disease. The main goal of treating diabetes is to lower your blood sugar to a normal level.

Q3. Why is it important to control type 2 diabetes?

The main goal of treating diabetes is to lower your blood sugar to a normal level. Studies have shown that good control of blood sugar may prevent or delay complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, or blindness.

Q4. How is type 2 diabetes usually controlled?

High blood sugar can be lowered by diet and exercise, a number of oral medications, and insulin injections. Before taking glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets you should first try to control your diabetes by exercise and weight loss. Even if you are taking glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, you should still exercise and follow the diet recommended for your diabetes.

Q5. Does Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet work differently from other glucose-control medications?

Yes, it does. Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablet combines 2 glucose lowering drugs, glipizide and metformin. These 2 drugs work together to improve the different metabolic defects found in type 2 diabetes. Glipizide lowers blood sugar primarily by causing more of the body's own insulin to be released, and metformin lowers blood sugar, in part, by helping your body use your own insulin more effectively. Together, they are efficient in helping you to achieve better glucose control.

Q6. What happens if my blood sugar is still too high?

When blood sugar cannot be lowered enough by glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, your doctor may prescribe injectable insulin or take other measures to control your diabetes.

Q7. Can Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets cause side effects?

Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, like all blood sugar-lowering medications, can cause side effects in some patients. Most of these side effects are minor. However, there are also serious, but rare, side effects related to glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets (see Question Nos. 9-13).

Q8. What are the most common side effects of Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets?

The most common side effects of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets are normally minor ones such as diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach. If these side effects occur, they usually occur during the first few weeks of therapy. Taking your glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets with meals can help reduce these side effects.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as lightheadedness, dizziness, shakiness, or hunger may occur. The risk of hypoglycemic symptoms increases when meals are skipped, too much alcohol is consumed, or heavy exercise occurs without enough food. Following the advice of your doctor can help you to avoid these symptoms.

Q9. Are there any serious side effects that Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets can cause?

People who have a condition known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and who take glipizide and metformin hydrochloride may develop hemolytic anemia (fast breakdown of red blood cells). G6PD deficiency usually runs in families. Tell your doctor if you or any members of your family have been diagnosed with G6PD deficiency before you start taking Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets.

Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets rarely cause serious side effects. Metformin, one of the medicines in glipizide and metformin hydrochloride can cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis (a buildup of an acid in the blood) that can cause death. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in the hospital.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms, which could be

signs of lactic acidosis:

  • you feel cold in your hands or feet
  • you feel dizzy or lightheaded
  • you have a slow or irregular heartbeat
  • you feel very weak or tired
  • you have unusual (not normal) muscle pain
  • you have trouble breathing
  • you feel sleepy or drowsy
  • you have stomach pains, nausea or vomiting

Most people who have had lactic acidosis with metformin have other things that, combined with the metformin, led to the lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following, because you have a higher chance for getting lactic acidosis with glipizide and metformin hydrochloride if you:

  • have severe kidney problems
  • your kidneys are affected by certain x-ray tests that use injectable dye. Tell your doctor if you are going to get an injection or dye or contrast agents for an x-ray procedure.
  • have liver problems
  • drink alcohol very often, or drink a lot of alcohol in short-term "binge" drinking
  • get dehydrated (lose a large amount of body fluids). This can happen if you are sick  with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dehydration can also happen when you sweat a lot with activity or exercise and do not drink enough fluids
  • have surgery
  • have a heart attack, severe infection, or stroke
  • have a genetically inherited disease affecting mitochondria (the energy-producing parts within cells)

The best way to keep from having a problem with lactic acidosis from metformin is to tell your doctor if you have any of the problems in the list above. Your doctor may decide to stop your glipizide and metformin hydrochloride for a while if you have any of these things.

Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride can have other serious side effects. See "What are the possible side effects of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride?"

Q10. Can I take Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets with other medications?

Remind your doctor that you are taking glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets when any new drug is prescribed or a change is made in how you take a drug already prescribed.

Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets may interfere with the way some drugs work and some drugs may interfere with the action of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets.

Q11. What if I become pregnant while taking Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets?

Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or have become pregnant. As with other oral glucose-control medications, you should not take glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets during pregnancy.

Usually your doctor will prescribe insulin while you are pregnant. As with all medications, you and your doctor should discuss the use of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets if you are nursing a child.

Q12. How do I take Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets?

Your doctor will tell you how many glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets to take and how often.

This should also be printed on the label of your prescription. You will probably be started on a low dose of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets and your dosage will be increased gradually until your blood sugar is controlled.

Q13. Where can I get more information about Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets?

This leaflet is a summary of the most important information about glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets.

If you have any questions or problems, you should talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about type 2 diabetes as well as glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets and its side effects. There is also a leaflet (package insert) written for health professionals that your pharmacist can let you read.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Indications and Usage

Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, USP are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dosage and Administration

General Considerations:

Dosage of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets must be individualized on the basis of both effectiveness and tolerance while not exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of 20 mg glipizide/2,000 mg metformin. Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets should be given with meals and should be initiated at a low dose, with gradual dose escalation as described below, in order to avoid hypoglycemia (largely due to glipizide), reduce GI side effects (largely due to metformin), and permit determination of the minimum effective dose for adequate control of blood glucose for the individual patient.

With initial treatment and during dose titration, appropriate blood glucose monitoring should be used to determine the therapeutic response to glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets and to identify the minimum effective dose for the patient. Thereafter, HbA1c should be measured at intervals of approximately 3 months to assess the effectiveness of therapy. The therapeutic goal in all patients with type 2 diabetes is to decrease FPG, PPG, and HbA1c to normal or as near normal as possible. Ideally, the response to therapy should be evaluated using HbA1c, which is a better indicator of long-term glycemic control than FPG alone.

No studies have been performed specifically examining the safety and efficacy of switching to glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets therapy in patients taking concomitant glipizide (or other sulfonylurea) plus metformin. Changes in glycemic control may occur in such patients, with either hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia possible. Any change in therapy of type 2 diabetes should be undertaken with care and appropriate monitoring.

When colesevelam is coadministered with glipizide ER, maximum plasma concentration and total exposure to glipizide is reduced. Therefore, glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets should be administered at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam.

Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets in Patients with Inadequate Glycemic Control on Diet and Exercise Alone

For patients with type 2 diabetes whose hyperglycemia cannot be satisfactorily managed with diet and exercise alone, the recommended starting dose of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets is 2.5 mg/250 mg once a day with a meal. For patients whose FPG is 280 mg/dL to 320 mg/dL a starting dose of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 2.5 mg/500 mg twice daily should be considered. The efficacy of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets in patients whose FPG exceeds 320 mg/dL has not been established. Dosage increases to achieve adequate glycemic control should be made in increments of 1 tablet per day every 2 weeks up to maximum of 10 mg/1,000 mg or 10 mg/2,000 mg glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets per day given in divided doses. In clinical trials of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets as initial therapy, there was no experience with total daily doses ˃10 mg/2,000 mg per day.

Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets in Patients with Inadequate Glycemic Control on a Sulfonylurea and/or Metformin

For patients not adequately controlled on either glipizide (or another sulfonylurea) or metformin alone, the recommended starting dose of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets is 2.5 mg/500 mg or 5 mg/500 mg twice daily with the morning and evening meals. In order to avoid hypoglycemia, the starting dose of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets should not exceed the daily doses of glipizide or metformin already being taken. The daily dose should be titrated in increments of no more than 5 mg/500 mg up to the minimum effective dose to achieve adequate control of blood glucose or to a maximum dose of 20 mg/2,000 mg per day.

Patients previously treated with combination therapy of glipizide (or another sulfonylurea) plus metformin may be switched to glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 2.5 mg/500 mg or 5 mg/500 mg; the starting dose should not exceed the daily dose of glipizide (or equivalent dose of another sulfonylurea) and metformin already being taken. The decision to switch to the nearest equivalent dose or to titrate should be based on clinical judgment. Patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia following such a switch and the dose of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets should be titrated as described above to achieve adequate control of blood glucose.

Recommendations for Use in Renal Impairment

Assess renal function prior to initiation of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride and periodically thereafter.

Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2.

Initiation of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride in patients with an eGFR between 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 to 45 mL/minute/1.73 m2 is not recommended.

In patients taking glipizide and metformin hydrochloride whose eGFR later falls below 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, assess the benefit risk of continuing therapy.

Discontinue glipizide and metformin hydrochloride if the patient's eGFR later falls below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2. (See WARNINGS.)

Discontinuation for Iodinated Contrast Imaging Procedures

Discontinue glipizide and metformin hydrochloride at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR between 30 mL/min/1.73 m2and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart glipizide and metformin hydrochloride if renal function is stable.

Specific Patient Populations:

Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets are not recommended for use during pregnancy or for use in pediatric patients. The initial and maintenance dosing of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets should be conservative in patients with advanced age, due to the potential for decreased renal function in this population. Any dosage adjustment requires a careful assessment of renal function. Generally, elderly, debilitated, and malnourished patients should not be titrated to the maximum dose of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets to avoid the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitoring of renal function is necessary to aid in prevention of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, particularly in the elderly (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS).

Contraindications

Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with:

  1. Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mlL/min/1.73 m2) (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ).
  2. Known hypersensitivity to glipizide or metformin hydrochloride.
  3. Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with insulin.

SPECIAL WARNING ON INCREASED RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR MORTALITY

The administration of oral hypoglycemic drugs has been reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality as compared to treatment with diet alone or diet plus insulin. This warning is based on the study conducted by the University Group Diabetes Program (UGDP), a long-term prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of glucose-lowering drugs in preventing or delaying vascular complications in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The study involved 823 patients who were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups (Diabetes 19 (Suppl. 2):747-830, 1970).

UGDP reported that patients treated for 5 years to 8 years with diet plus a fixed dose of tolbutamide (1.5 grams per day) had a rate of cardiovascular mortality approximately 2½ times that of patients treated with diet alone. A significant increase in total mortality was not observed, but the use of tolbutamide was discontinued based on the increase in cardiovascular mortality, thus limiting the opportunity for the study to show an increase in overall mortality. Despite controversy regarding the interpretation of these results, the findings of the UGDP study provide an adequate basis for this warning. The patient should be informed of the potential risks and benefits of glipizide and of alternative modes of therapy.

Although only 1 drug in the sulfonylurea class (tolbutamide) was included in this study, it is prudent from a safety standpoint to consider that this warning may also apply to other hypoglycemic drugs in this class, in view of their close similarities in mode of action and chemical structure.

Adverse Reactions

Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets:

In a double-blind 24 week clinical trial involving glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets as initial therapy, a total of 172 patients received glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, 2.5 mg/250 mg, 173 received glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, 2.5 mg/500 mg, 170 received glipizide, and 177 received metformin. The most common clinical adverse events in these treatment groups are listed in Table 4.

Table 4 Clinical Adverse Events >5% in any Treatment Group, by Primary Term, in Initial Therapy Study
Adverse Event
Number (%) of Patients

Glipizide Tablets
5 mg
N=170
Metformin
Tablets
500 mg
N=177
Glipizide and
Metformin
Hydrochloride
Tablets
2.5 mg/250 mg
N=172
Glipizide and
 Metformin
Hydrochloride
 Tablets
2.5 mg/500 mg
N=173
Upper respiratory infection
12 (7.1)
15 (8.5)
17 (9.9)
14 (8.1)
Diarrhea
8 (4.7)
15 (8.5)
4 (2.3)
9 (5.2)
Dizziness
9 (5.3)
2 (1.1)
3 (1.7)
9 (5.2)
Hypertension
17 (10)
10 (5.6)
5 (2.9)
6 (3.5)
Nausea/vomiting
6 (3.5)
9 (5.1)
1 (0.6)
3 (1.7)

In a double-blind 18 week clinical trial involving glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets as second-line therapy, a total of 87 patients received glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, 84 received glipizide, and 75 received metformin. The most common clinical adverse events in this clinical trial are listed in Table 5.

Table 5 Clinical Adverse Events >5% in any Treatment Group, by Primary Term, in Second-Line Therapy Study

a The dose of glipizide was fixed at 30 mg daily; doses of metformin and glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets were titrated.

Adverse Event
Number (%) of Patients
Glipizide
Tabletsa
5 mg
N=84
Metformin
Tabletsa
500 mg
N=75
Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride   Tabletsa
5 mg/500 mg
N=87
Diarrhea
11 (13.1)
13 (17.3)
16 (18.4)
Headache
5 (6)
4 (5.3)
11 (12.6)
Upper respiratory infection
11 (13.1)
8 (10.7)
9 (10.3)
Musculoskeletal pain
6 (7.1)
5 (6.7)
7 (8)
Nausea/vomiting
5 (6)
6 (8)
7 (8)
Abdominal pain
7 (8.3)
5 (6.7)
5 (5.7)
UTI
4 (4.8)
6 (8)
1 (1.1)

Hypoglycemia:

In a controlled initial therapy trial of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, 2.5 mg/250 mg and 2.5 mg/500 mg the numbers of patients with hypoglycemia documented by symptoms (such as dizziness, shakiness, sweating, and hunger) and a fingerstick blood glucose measurement ≤50 mg/dL were 5 (2.9%) for glipizide, 0 (0%) for metformin, 13 (7.6%) for glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, 2.5 mg/250 mg, and 16 (9.3%) for glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, 2.5 mg/500 mg. Among patients taking either glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, 2.5 mg/250 mg or glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, 2.5 mg/500 mg, 9 (2.6%) patients discontinued glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets due to hypoglycemic symptoms and 1 required medical intervention due to hypoglycemia. In a controlled second-line therapy trial of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, 5 mg/500 mg, the numbers of patients with hypoglycemia documented by symptoms and a fingerstick blood glucose measurement ≤50 mg/dL were 0 (0%) for glipizide, 1 (1.3%) for metformin, and 11 (12.6%) for glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets. One (1.1%) patient discontinued glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets therapy due to hypoglycemic symptoms and none required medical intervention due to hypoglycemia (see PRECAUTIONS ).

Gastrointestinal Reactions:

Among the most common clinical adverse events in the initial therapy trial were diarrhea and nausea/vomiting; the incidences of these events were lower with both glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets dosage strengths than with metformin therapy. There were 4 (1.2%) patients in the initial therapy trial who discontinued glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets therapy due to gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events. Gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and abdominal pain were comparable among glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, glipizide and metformin in the second-line therapy trial. There were 4 (4.6%) patients in the second-line therapy trial who discontinued glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets therapy due to GI adverse events.

Glipizide

Gastrointestinal Reactions

Cholestatic and hepatocellular forms of liver injury accompanied by jaundice have been reported rarely in association with glipizide; glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets should be discontinued if this occurs.

Drug Interactions

Overdosage

Glipizide:

Overdosage of sulfonylureas, including glipizide, can produce hypoglycemia. Mild hypoglycemic symptoms, without loss of consciousness or neurological findings, should be treated aggressively with oral glucose and adjustments in drug dosage and/or meal patterns. Close monitoring should continue until the physician is assured that the patient is out of danger. Severe hypoglycemic reactions with coma, seizure, or other neurological impairment occur infrequently, but constitute medical emergencies requiring immediate hospitalization. If hypoglycemic coma is diagnosed or suspected, the patient should be given a rapid intravenous injection of concentrated (50%) glucose solution. This should be followed by a continuous infusion of a more dilute (10%) glucose solution at a rate that will maintain the blood glucose at a level above 100 mg/dL. Patients should be closely monitored for a minimum of 24 hours to 48 hours, since hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Clearance of glipizide from plasma would be prolonged in persons with liver disease. Because of the extensive protein binding of glipizide, dialysis is unlikely to be of benefit.

Metformin Hydrochloride:

Overdose of metformin hydrochloride has occurred, including ingestion of amounts ˃50 g. Hypoglycemia was reported in approximately 10% of cases, but no causal association with metformin hydrochloride has been established. Lactic acidosis has been reported in approximately 32% of metformin overdose cases (see WARNINGS ). Metformin is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions. Therefore, hemodialysis may be useful for removal of accumulated drug from patients in whom metformin overdosage is suspected.

Description

Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets, USP contain 2 oral antihyperglycemic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes, glipizide and metformin hydrochloride.

Glipizide is an oral antihyperglycemic drug of the sulfonylurea class. The chemical name for glipizide is 1-cyclohexyl-3-[[p-[2-(5-methylpyrazinecarboxamido)ethyl]phenyl] sulfonyl]urea. Glipizide, USP white to almost white; crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C21H27N5O4S, a molecular weight of 445.55 and a pKa of 5.9. The structural formula is represented below.

Figure from prescribing information

Metformin hydrochloride, USP is an oral antihyperglycemic drug used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin hydrochloride (N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide monohydrochloride) is not chemically or pharmacologically related to sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, or α-glucosidase inhibitors. It is a white to off-white crystalline compound with a molecular formula of C4H12ClN5 (monohydrochloride) and a molecular weight of 165.63. Metformin hydrochloride is freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, practically insoluble in acetone and in methylene chloride. The pKa of metformin is 12.4. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution of metformin hydrochloride is 6.68. The structural formula is as shown:

Figure from prescribing information

Each glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablet intended for oral administration contains 2.5 mg glipizide with 250 mg metformin hydrochloride, 2.5 mg glipizide with 500 mg metformin hydrochloride, and 5 mg glipizide with 500 mg metformin hydrochloride. In addition, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone and titanium dioxide. Additionally each 2.5 mg/250 mg and 5 mg/500 mg tablet contains iron oxide red and each 2.5 mg/500 mg tablet contains polysorbate 80.

structuaral formula 01 structural formula 02

Clinical Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action:

Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablet combines glipizide and metformin hydrochloride, 2 antihyperglycemic agents with complementary mechanisms of action, to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Glipizide appears to lower blood glucose acutely by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, an effect dependent upon functioning beta cells in the pancreatic islets. Extrapancreatic effects may play a part in the mechanism of action of oral sulfonylurea hypoglycemic drugs. 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 a 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 6 months of treatment.

Metformin hydrochloride is an antihyperglycemic agent that improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin hydrochloride decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption and Bioavailability:

Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets:

In a single-dose study in healthy subjects, the glipizide and metformin components of glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 5 mg/500 mg were bioequivalent to co-administered glipizide and metformin hydrochloride. Following administration of a single glipizide and metformin hydrochloride 5 mg/500 mg tablet in healthy subjects with either a 20% glucose solution or a 20% glucose solution with food, there was a small effect of food on peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and no effect of food on area under the curve (AUC) of the glipizide component. Time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax) for the glipizide component was delayed 1 hour with food relative to the same tablet strength administered fasting with a 20% glucose solution. Cmax for the metformin component was reduced approximately 14% by food whereas AUC was not affected. Tmax for the metformin component was delayed 1 hour after food.

Glipizide:

Gastrointestinal absorption of glipizide is uniform, rapid, and essentially complete. Peak plasma concentrations occur 1 hour to 3 hours after a single oral dose. Glipizide does not accumulate in plasma on repeated oral administration. Total absorption and disposition of an oral dose was unaffected by food in normal volunteers, but absorption was delayed by about 40 minutes.

Metformin Hydrochloride:

The absolute bioavailability of a 500 mg metformin hydrochloride tablet given under fasting conditions is approximately 50% to 60%. Studies using single oral doses of metformin tablets of 500 mg and 1500 mg, and 850 mg to 2550 mg, indicate that there is a lack of dose proportionality with increasing doses, which is due to decreased absorption rather than an alteration in elimination. Food decreases the extent of and slightly delays the absorption of metformin, as shown by approximately a 40% lower peak concentration and a 25% lower AUC in plasma and a 35-minute prolongation of time to peak plasma concentration following administration of a single 850 mg tablet of metformin with food, compared to the same tablet strength administered fasting. The clinical relevance of these decreases is unknown.

Distribution:

Glipizide:

Protein binding was studied in serum from volunteers who received either oral or intravenous glipizide and found to be 98% to 99% 1 hour after either route of administration. The apparent volume of distribution of glipizide after intravenous administration was 11 liters, indicative of localization within the extracellular fluid compartment. In mice, no glipizide or metabolites were detectable autoradiographically in the brain or spinal cord of males or females, nor in the fetuses of pregnant females. In another study, however, very small amounts of radioactivity were detected in the fetuses of rats given labeled drug.

Metformin Hydrochloride:

The apparent volume of distribution (V/F) of metformin following single oral doses of 850 mg averaged 654±358 L. Metformin is negligibly bound to plasma proteins. Metformin partitions into erythrocytes, most likely as a function of time. At usual clinical doses and dosing schedules of metformin, steady state plasma concentrations of metformin are reached within 24 hours to 48 hours and are generally <1 µg/mL. During controlled clinical trials, maximum metformin plasma levels did not exceed 5 µg/mL, even at maximum doses.

Metabolism and Elimination:

Glipizide:

The metabolism of glipizide is extensive and occurs mainly in the liver. The primary metabolites are inactive hydroxylation products and polar conjugates, and are excreted mainly in the urine. Less than 10% unchanged glipizide is found in the urine. The half-life of elimination ranges from 2 hours to 4 hours in normal subjects, whether given intravenously or orally. The metabolic and excretory patterns are similar with the 2 routes of administration, indicating that first-pass metabolism is not significant.

Metformin Hydrochloride:

Intravenous single-dose studies in normal subjects demonstrate that metformin is excreted unchanged in the urine and does not undergo hepatic metabolism (no metabolites have been identified in humans) nor biliary excretion. Renal clearance (see Table 1) is approximately 3.5 times greater than creatinine clearance, which indicates that tubular secretion is the major route of metformin elimination. Following oral administration, approximately 90% of the absorbed drug is eliminated via the renal route within the first 24 hours, with a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 6.2 hours. In blood, the elimination half-life is approximately 17.6 hours, suggesting that the erythrocyte mass may be a compartment of distribution.

Specific Populations:

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes:

In the presence of normal renal function, there are no differences between single- or multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of metformin between patients with type 2 diabetes and normal subjects (see Table 1 ), nor is there any accumulation of metformin in either group at usual clinical doses.

Renal Impairment

The metabolism and excretion of glipizide may be slowed in patients with impaired renal

function (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

In patients with decreased renal function, the plasma and blood half-life of metformin is prolonged and the renal clearance is decreased (see Table 1; also, see WARNINGS).

Hepatic Impairment

The metabolism and excretion of glipizide may be slowed in patients with impaired hepatic function (see PRECAUTIONS ).

No pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted in patients with hepatic insufficiency for metformin.

Geriatrics:

There is no information on the pharmacokinetics of glipizide in elderly patients.

Limited data from controlled pharmacokinetic studies of metformin in healthy elderly subjects suggest that total plasma clearance is decreased, the half-life is prolonged, and Cmax is increased, when compared to healthy young subjects. From these data, it appears that the change in metformin pharmacokinetics with aging is primarily accounted for by a change in renal function (see Table 1 ).

Table 1 Select Mean (±SD) Metformin Pharmacokinetic Parameters Following Single or Multiple Oral Doses of Metformin

a All doses given fasting except the first 18 doses of the multiple-dose studies

Peak plasma concentration

Time to peak plasma concentration

d  SD = single dose

e  Combined results (average means) of 5 studies: mean age 32 years (range 23 to 59 years)

Kinetic study done following dose 19, given fasting

Elderly subjects, mean age 71 years (range 65 to 81 years)

CLcr = creatinine clearance normalized to body surface area of 1.73 m2

Subject Groups:
Metformin Dosea (Numberof Subjects)
Cmax b
(µg/mL)
Tmax c
(hrs)
Renal Clearnance
(mL/min)
Healthy, Nondiabetic Adults:
500 mg SDd (24)
1.03 (±0.33)
2.75 (±0.81)
600 (±132)
850 mg SD (74)e
1.60 (±0.38)
2.64 (±0.82)
552 (±139)
850 mg t.i.d. for 19 dosesf (9)
2.01 (±0.42)
1.79 (±0.94)
642 (±173)
Adults with Type 2 Diabetes:
850 mg SD (23)
1.48 (±0.5)
3.32 (±1.08)
491 (±138)
850 mg t.i.d. for 19 dosesf (9) 
1.90 (±0.62)
2.01 (±1.22)
550 (±160)
Elderlyg, Healthy Nondiabetic Adults:
  850 mg SD (12)
2.45 (±0.70)
2.71 (±1.05)
412 (±98)
Renal-impaired Adults: 850 mg SD
Mild (CLcr h 61 to 90 mL/min) (5)
1.86 (±0.52)
3.20 (±0.45)
384 (±122)
Moderate (CLcr 31 to 60 mL/min) (4)
4.12 (±1.83)
3.75 (±0.50)
108 (±57)
Severe (CLcr 10 to 30 mL/min) (6)
3.93 (±0.92)
4.01 (±1.10)
130 (±90)

Pediatrics:

No data from pharmacokinetic studies in pediatric subjects are available for glipizide. After administration of a single oral metformin hydrochloride 500 mg tablet with food, geometric mean metformin Cmax and AUC differed ˂5% between pediatric type 2 diabetic patients (12 years to 16 years of age) and gender- and weight-matched healthy adults (20 years to 45 years of age), all with normal renal function.

Gender:

There is no information on the effect of gender on the pharmacokinetics of glipizide.

Metformin pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ significantly in subjects with or without type 2 diabetes when analyzed according to gender (males=19, females=16). Similarly, in controlled clinical studies in patients with type 2 diabetes, the antihyperglycemic effect of metformin was comparable in males and females.

Race:

No information is available on race differences in the pharmacokinetics of glipizide.

No studies of metformin pharmacokinetic parameters according to race have been performed. In controlled clinical studies of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes, the antihyperglycemic effect was comparable in whites (n=249), blacks (n=51), and Hispanics (n=24).

Clinical Studies:

Patients with Inadequate Glycemic Control on Diet and Exercise Alone:

In a 24-week, double-blind, active-controlled, multicenter international clinical trial, patients with type 2 diabetes, whose hyperglycemia was not adequately controlled with diet and exercise alone (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]>7.5% and ≤12%, and fasting plasma glucose [FPG]<300 mg/dL) were randomized to receive initial therapy with glipizide       5 mg, metformin 500 mg, glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 2.5 mg/250 mg, or glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 2.5 mg/500 mg. After 2 weeks, the dose was progressively increased (up to the 12-week visit) to a maximum of 4 tablets daily in divided doses as needed to reach a target mean daily glucose (MDG) of ≤130 mg/dL. Trial data at 24 weeks are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2 Active-Controlled Trial of Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets in Patients with Inadequate Glycemic Control on Diet and Exercise Alone: Summary of Trial Data at 24 Weeks

a p <0.001

Glipizide
Tablets
5 mg
Metformin
Tablets
500 mg
Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets
2.5 mg/250 mg
Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets
2.5 mg/500 mg
Mean Final Dose
16.7 mg
1,749 mg
7.9 mg/791 mg
7.4 mg/1,477 mg
Hemoglobin A1c (%)
N=168
N=171
N=166
N=163
Baseline Mean
9.17
9.15
9.06
9.10
Final Mean
7.36
7.67
6.93
6.95
Adjusted Mean Change from Baseline
-1.77
-1.46
-2.15
-2.14
Difference from Glipizide
-0.38a
-0.37a
Difference from Metformin
-0.70a
-0.69a
% Patients with Final HbA1c<7%
43.5%
35.1%
59.6%
57.1%
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
N=169
N=176
N=170
N=169
   Baseline Mean
210.7
207.4
206.8
203.1
   Final Mean
162.1
163.8
152.1
148.7
   Adjusted Mean Change from Baseline
-46.2
-42.9
-54.2
-56.5
   Difference from Glipizide
-8.0
-10.4
   Difference from Metformin
-11.3
-13.6

After 24 weeks, treatment with glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 2.5 mg/250 mg and 2.5 mg/500 mg resulted in significantly greater reduction in HbA1c compared to glipizide and metformin therapy. Also, glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 2.5 mg/250 mg therapy resulted in significant reductions in FPG versus metformin therapy.

Increases above fasting glucose and insulin levels were determined at baseline and final study visits by measurement of plasma glucose and insulin for 3 hours following a standard mixed liquid meal. Treatment with glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets lowered the 3-hour postprandial glucose AUC, compared to baseline, to a significantly greater extent than did the glipizide and the metformin therapies. Compared to baseline, glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets enhanced the postprandial insulin response, but did not significantly affect fasting insulin levels.

There were no clinically meaningful differences in changes from baseline for all lipid parameters between glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets therapy and either metformin therapy or glipizide therapy. The adjusted mean changes from baseline in body weight were: glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 2.5 mg/250 mg, 0.4 kg; glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 2.5 mg/500 mg, 0.5 kg; glipizide, 0.2 kg; and metformin, 1.9 kg. Weight loss was greater with metformin than with glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets.

Patients with Inadequate Glycemic Control on Sulfonylurea Monotherapy:

In an 18-week, double-blind, active-controlled U.S. clinical trial, a total of 247 patients with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled (HbA1c ≥ 7.5% and ≤ 12%, and FPG < 300 mg/dL) while being treated with at least one-half the maximum labeled dose of a sulfonylurea (e.g., glyburide 10 mg, glipizide 20 mg) were randomized to receive glipizide (fixed dose, 30 mg), metformin (500 mg), or glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 5 mg/500 mg. The doses of metformin and glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets were titrated (up to the 8-week visit) to a maximum of 4 tablets daily as needed to achieve MDG ≤ 130 mg/dL. Trial data at 18 weeks are summarized in Table 3.

Table 3 Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets in Patients with Inadequate Glycemic Control on Sulfonylurea Alone: Summary of Trial Data at 18 Weeks

a p <0.001

Glipizide
Tablets
5 mg
Metformin
Tablets
500 mg
Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets
5 mg/500 mg
Mean Final Dose
30 mg
1,927 mg
17.5 mg/1,747 mg
Hemoglobin A1c (%)
N=79
N=71
N=80
   Baseline Mean
8.87
8.61
8.66
   Final Adjusted Mean
8.45
8.36
7.39
   Difference from Glipizide
-1.06a
   Difference from Metformin
-0.98a
   % Patients with Final HbA1c<7% 
8.9%
9.9%
36.3%
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
N=82
N=75
N=81
   Baseline Mean
203.6
191.3
194.3
   Adjusted Mean Change from Baseline
7
6.7
-30.4
   Difference from Glipizide
-37.4
   Difference from Metformin
-37.2

After 18 weeks, treatment with glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets at doses up to 20 mg/2,000 mg per day resulted in significantly lower mean final HbA1c and significantly greater mean reductions in FPG compared to glipizide and metformin therapy. Treatment with glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets lowered the 3-hour postprandial glucose AUC, compared to baseline, to a significantly greater extent than did the glipizide and the metformin therapies. Glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets did not significantly affect fasting insulin levels.

There were no clinically meaningful differences in changes from baseline for all lipid parameters between glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets therapy and either metformin therapy or glipizide therapy. The adjusted mean changes from baseline in body weight were: glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets 5 mg/500 mg, 0.3 kg; glipizide, 0.4 kg; and metformin, 2.7 kg. Weight loss was greater with metformin than with glipizide and metformin hydrochloride tablets.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 2.5 mg/250 mg are pink-colored, biconvex, modified capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet, debossed with "ZE68" on one side and plain on other side and are supplied as follows:

NDC 68382-184-16 in bottle of 90 tablets with child-resistant closure

NDC 68382-184-01 in bottle of 100 tablets

NDC 68382-184-10 in bottle of 1000 tablets

NDC 68382-184-77 in unit-dose blister cartons of 100 (10 x 10) unit-dose tablets

Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 2.5 mg/500 mg are white-colored, biconvex, modified capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet, debossed with "ZE67" on one side and plain on other side and are supplied as follows:

NDC 68382-185-16 in bottle of 90 tablets with child-resistant closure

NDC 68382-185-01 in bottle of 100 tablets

NDC 68382-185-10 in bottle of 1000 tablets

NDC 68382-185-77 in unit-dose blister cartons of 100 (10 x 10) unit-dose tablets

Glipizide and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 5 mg/500 mg are pink-colored, biconvex, modified capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet, debossed with "ZE66" on one side and plain on other side and are supplied as follows:

NDC 68382-186-16 in bottle of 90 tablets with child-resistant closure

NDC 68382-186-01 in bottle of 100 tablets

NDC 68382-186-10 in bottle of 1000 tablets

NDC 68382-186-77 in unit-dose blister cartons of 100 (10 x 10) unit-dose tablets

Sources

RxCUI: 861736

NDC: 500901080

Last fetched: May 16, 2026

Source: DailyMed ↗

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine. Read full medical disclaimer.