Drug interactions
Glipizide-metformin + Orlistat
Severity: Minor
Glipizide-metformin and Orlistat: minor 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
Orlistat-associated weight loss and reduced caloric absorption can improve glycemic control, which may increase the glucose-lowering effect of glipizide and metformin. Hypoglycemia is possible, particularly with the sulfonylurea.
What this interaction means in plain words
Glipizide-metformin and Orlistat have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Glipizide-metformin belongs to Endocrine; Orlistat belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effect through reduced fat absorption, weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose after starting orlistat and reduce the glipizide dose if hypoglycemia occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Glipizide-metformin and Orlistat, 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 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Glipizide-metformin
Other interactions of Orlistat
- Cyclosporine + Orlistat Major
- Cyclosporin + Orlistat Major
- Orlistat + Triheptanoin Major
- Amiodarone + Orlistat Moderate
- Beta carotene + Orlistat Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Orlistat Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Glipizide-metformin with Orlistat?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Glipizide-metformin and Orlistat have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Orlistat-associated weight loss and reduced caloric absorption can improve glycemic control, which may increase the glucose-lowering effect of glipizide and metformin. Hypoglycemia is possible, particularly with the sulfonylurea.
How serious is the interaction between Glipizide-metformin and Orlistat?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose after starting orlistat and reduce the glipizide dose if hypoglycemia occurs.
What other medicines interact with Glipizide-metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Glipizide-metformin with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Glipizide-metformin 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.
