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Glipizide

Prescription

Sulfonylurea oral hypoglycaemic

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells by blocking ATP-sensitive potassium channels; requires functional beta cells; used primarily in cats as alternative to insulin

At a glance

Class

Sulfonylurea oral hypoglycaemic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture and light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Not recommended (dogs are usually insulin-dependent)

Dose

0 mg/kg

Route

—

Frequency

N/A

Max dose

0 mg

Duration: Not used in dogs; they require insulin

🐈

Cat

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 2)

Dose

0.25–0.5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID

Max dose

5 mg/dose; 10 mg/day

Duration: Long-term; monitor glucose; may transition to insulin if inadequate

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength

2.5mg

Available in India

Strength

5mg

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture and light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Diabetic ketoacidosis
Requires insulin therapy
Dogs (insulin-dependent diabetes)

Use with caution

Hepatic disease
Hepatic metabolism
Concurrent corticosteroids
Antagonize hypoglycaemic effect

Adverse effects

Common

Vomiting

Anorexia

Hypoglycaemia

Serious

Severe hypoglycaemia

Hepatotoxicity

Jaundice

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucose curves (serial)FructosamineHepatic enzymesBody weightClinical signs (PU/PD)

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 2

Prednisolone

major

Corticosteroids cause insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia, directly opposing glipizide's hypoglycaemic effect

Management: Avoid concurrent use in diabetic patients. If corticosteroid is essential, monitor blood glucose intensively and increase glipizide/insulin dose.

Dexamethasone

major

Corticosteroid-induced insulin resistance directly opposes sulfonylurea effect. Dexamethasone is very potent — even short courses decompensate diabetic control.

Management: Avoid in diabetic patients. If essential, monitor glucose intensively. Insulin likely needed.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Glucotrol

Pfizer

India

Glynase

USV

Glipiride

Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Glipizide?

Glipizide is a sulfonylurea oral hypoglycaemic used in pets. Stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells by blocking ATP-sensitive potassium channels; requires functional beta cells; used primarily in cats as alternative to insulin

›What is Glipizide used for in pets?

Glipizide is used in veterinary medicine for: Not recommended (dogs are usually insulin-dependent); Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 2).

›What is the Glipizide dose for dogs?

For dogs, Glipizide is typically dosed as follows — Not recommended (dogs are usually insulin-dependent): 0 mg/kg N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Glipizide dose for cats?

For cats, Glipizide is typically dosed as follows — Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 2): 0.25–0.5 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Glipizide?

Common: Vomiting, Anorexia, Hypoglycaemia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Severe hypoglycaemia, Hepatotoxicity, Jaundice.

›Does Glipizide need a prescription?

Yes. Glipizide is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Glipizide not be used?

Do not use Glipizide if: Diabetic ketoacidosis; Dogs (insulin-dependent diabetes).

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database