Oral anti-diabetic drugs

Description

Glipizide (GLIDE^®) is a second generation sulphonylurea. Substitutions on the aryl sulphonylurea nucleus have increased the hypoglycaemic activity of glipizide 100-fold over the first-generation drugs.

• GLIDE^® offers unique and unparalleled benefits. They are as follows:
• GLIDE^® has a rapid onset of action and hence makes insulin available on demand.
• GLIDE^® has a short duration of action, avoiding beta cell fatigue.
• GLIDE^® is known to reduce mean muscle capillary basement width.
• The fibrinolytic and antiplatelet activity of GLIDE^® preserves circulation and may help in preventing the complications of Diabetes.

Unique Benefits of GLIDE^®:

• Rapid onset of action – provides insulin when needed ("on demand")
• Short duration of action – reduces the risk of beta-cell fatigue
• Improves microvascular health – shown to reduce muscle capillary basement membrane thickness
• Fibrinolytic and antiplatelet effects – support better circulation and may help prevent diabetic complications

Indications

• GLIDE^® is indicated as an add-on to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in patients with Type 2 Diabetes who are not adequately controlled by lifestyle changes alone.
  It can also be used with metformin when diet, exercise, and metformin do not provide sufficient glycaemic control.

Dosage

• In patients, not attaining good control of blood glucose level with the maximum dose of metformin, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg given 30 minutes before breakfast or the mid-day meal and the dosage gradually increased if required. Mild diabetics, elderly patients or those with liver disease may be started on 2.5 mg. Dosage adjustment should be in increments of 2.5 to 5 mg as determined by the blood glucose (fasting and postprandial) levels. At least 2 weeks should elapse between titration steps. Those requiring higher dosage should be put on 2-3 daily doses of GLIDE^® half an hour before meals. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg.