The Basics

What is Glipizide?

Used along with diet and exercise, and sometimes with other medications, to treat type 2 diabetes.

Brand names for Glipizide

Glucotrol

How Glipizide is classified

Hypoglycemic Agents, Sulfonylurea Compounds

Glipizide During Pregnancy

Glipizide pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Glipizide while pregnant

N/A

Taking Glipizide While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Glipizide?

Limited data indicate that the levels of glipizide in milk are low. However, an alternate drug for which there is more information may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Monitor breastfed infants for signs of hypoglycemia such as jitteriness, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, seizures cyanosis, apnea, or hypothermia. If there is concern, monitoring of the breastfed infant’s blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with hypoglycemic agents.[1][2]

Maternal / infant drug levels

Limited data indicate that the levels of glipizide in milk are low. However, an alternate drug for which there is more information may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Monitor breastfed infants for signs of hypoglycemia such as jitteriness, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, seizures cyanosis, apnea, or hypothermia. If there is concern, monitoring of the breastfed infant’s blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with hypoglycemic agents.[1][2]

Possible effects of Glipizide on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Glipizide

Acarbose, Glyburide, Insulin, Metformin, Miglitol.

List of References

Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Everett JA. Use of oral antidiabetic agents during breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1997;13:319-21. PMID: 9429368
2. Berlin CM, Briggs GG. Drugs and chemicals in human milk. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2005;10:149-59. PMID: 15701580
3. Feig DS, Briggs GG, Kraemer JM et al. Transfer of glyburide and glipizide into breast milk. Diabetes Care. 2005;28:1851-5. PMID: 16043722

Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.

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