Drug interactions
Glipizide + Sulfamethoxazole
Severity: Major
Glipizide and Sulfamethoxazole: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Sulfamethoxazole, usually given with trimethoprim, has been linked to hypoglycemia in patients taking sulfonylureas. Cases can be severe, especially in older patients or those with kidney disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Glipizide and Sulfamethoxazole can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP2C9 and displacement from protein binding raise free glipizide; trimethoprim may add to hypoglycemia.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose closely and consider reducing the glipizide dose, or use an alternative antibiotic in high-risk patients.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Glipizide and Sulfamethoxazole, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Glipizide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Glipizide with Sulfamethoxazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Glipizide and Sulfamethoxazole can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Sulfamethoxazole, usually given with trimethoprim, has been linked to hypoglycemia in patients taking sulfonylureas. Cases can be severe, especially in older patients or those with kidney disease.
How serious is the interaction between Glipizide and Sulfamethoxazole?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose closely and consider reducing the glipizide dose, or use an alternative antibiotic in high-risk patients.
What other medicines interact with Glipizide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Glipizide with, for example, Disopyramide, Fluconazole, Insulin degludec-liraglutide. The full list is on the Glipizide page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
