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.
