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Compare Glucotrol vs. Amaryl

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Glipizide (Glucotrol XL) and Glimepiride (Amaryl) are sulfonylurea medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Both work by helping your pancreas release more insulin but they also have some differences between the two medications. Unlike glimepiride, glipizide is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. Glipizide can be taken once or twice daily depending on the dose, whereas glimepiride is only taken once daily. Both medications can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, but glimepiride is more likely to cause weight gain compared to some other diabetes medications. Common side effects of glipizide include dizziness and diarrhea, while glimepiride commonly causes headaches and flu-like symptoms. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics, making them more affordable options for managing diabetes.

  • Glipizide
    Glimepiride (Amaryl)
  • Glipizide
    Glimepiride (Amaryl)

  • Summary of Glucotrol vs. Amaryl

    Summary for Sulfonylurea
    Prescription only

    Glipizide is a sulfonylurea medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It lowers blood sugar levels by telling your pancreas to release more insulin. Glipizide is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Some side effects of this medication include dizziness and diarrhea. Taking glipizide can also put you at risk for dangerously low blood sugar, so it's important to take this medication with meals.

    Summary for Sulfonylurea
    Prescription only

    Glimepiride (Amaryl) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes along with healthy diet and exercise. It's part of the medication class called sulfonylureas. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once daily with the first main meal. Some common side effects of glimepiride (Amaryl) include headaches and low blood sugar. Like other medications in its class, it can also cause weight gain. Glimepiride (Amaryl) is available as both a brand name (Amaryl) and generic tablet.

  • Indications of Glucotrol vs. Amaryl

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Glucotrol vs. Amaryl

    Pros and Const for Sulfonylurea
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Extended-release tablets taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Raises your risk for low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Need to take with meals or 30 minutes before a meal
    •Can cause some weight gain as a side effect
    Pros and Const for Sulfonylurea
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Only taken once a day
    •Taken by mouth
    Cons
    •Need to take with the biggest meal of the day
    •More likely to cause weight gain compared to some other medications for diabetes
    •Might cause low blood sugar in breastfed babies and people ages 65 years and older

  • Common Side Effects of Glucotrol vs. Amaryl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Nervousness (4%)
    •Tremor (4%)
    •Passing gas (3%)
    •Low blood sugar levels (3%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took glipizide ER (Glucotrol XL) in clinical studies.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Shakiness, anxiety, and other symptoms of low blood sugar levels (up to 20%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Fever, cough, and other flu-like symptoms (5%)
    •Nausea (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)

  • Warnings of Glucotrol vs. Amaryl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar levels
    •Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems
    •Risk of harm in people with certain stomach problems (extended-release tablets)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Glucotrol vs. Amaryl

    Learn more about Glipizide
    Learn more about Glimepiride

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