Glucotrol XL and Alcohol
Alcohol is known for its capacity to interfere with diabetes treatment as it usually masks the state of hypoglycemia thus aggravating it. The same danger is pertinent to the combination of Glucotrol XL with alcohol. You should necessarily remember that if you are on Glucotrol XL, alcohol consumption can deteriorate your physical state up to a hypoglycemic coma and further irreversible brain damage. The point is that alcohol can interact with glipizide, the main agent of Glucotrol XL, and may prolong the action of glipizide by delaying the absorption and elimination of this medication. This is why alcohol often becomes a reason for serious hypoglycemic episodes. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to limit alcohol consumption or altogether abstain from alcohol while taking Glucotrol XL because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia. Besides, even small amounts of alcohol taken together with Glucotrol XL can cause allergic reactions, such as flushing in the face, the arms and the neck. Among other possible reactions - disulfiram-like reactions - are nausea, vomiting, dizziness and stomach pain.
Remember that if the condition of hypoglycemia occurs, which is rather typical if you take Glucotrol XL, even a small amount of alcohol, especially taken on an empty stomach, can aggravate and prolong your hypoglycemia. An extension of glipizide's pharmacological effects brought about by alcohol becomes severe and protracted. In some cases it may even require diazoxide, a special medicine used to treat the condition of hypoglycemia under hyperinsulinemia.
What is worse, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis - a medical emergency condition caused by the buildup of lactic acid in the body. This condition may be even fatal, that is why if lactic acidosis is present, prompt hemodialysis is usually advised as it can be effective to purify the body of chemicals.
In any case, it is always better to consult your diabetes specialist or pharmacist about the safe use of alcohol. The basic recommendation is that being aware of possible complications patients taking Glucotrol XL should keep alcohol consumption to a minimum, or better exclude it from the dietary intake.