Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Glipizide and metformin are both used to treat type 2 diabetes, but they have some differences between them. Glipizide/metformin is a combination of glipizide which tells your pancreas to release insulin, and metformin, which lowers the amount of sugar your body makes and absorbs. Glipizide/metformin must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar, while metformin is best taken with food to prevent stomach upset. Glipizide/metformin can cause more side effects like low blood sugar and diarrhea. Low blood sugar is less likely when taking metformin as a single medication. Lactic acidosis is a serious condition that can occur in people taking these medications. Unlike the combination medication, metformin is available in both short-acting and long-acting forms.
Glipizide/metformin
Metformin
Glipizide/metformin
Metformin
Summary of Metaglip vs. Metformin
Summary for Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
Prescription only
Glipizide/metformin combines two diabetes medications into one tablet: glipizide (a sulfonylurea) and metformin (a biguanide). It's approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults along with diet and exercise. This medication is typically taken by mouth once or twice a day. Some common side effects of glipizide/metformin can include diarrhea and headache; it isn't likely to cause weight gain or weight loss.
Summary for Biguanide
Prescription only
Immediate-release metformin is an oral diabetes medication. It's approved for people 10 years of age and older with Type 2 diabetes. The medication belongs to the drug class called biguanides. It works best to lower blood sugar levels with a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise plan. Immediate-release metformin comes as a tablet and an oral solution. You take this medication by mouth usually two to three times a day. It's recommended to take each dosage with food to help lessen side effects like diarrhea and nausea.