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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
2

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
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
5 mg/dose; 10 mg/day
Duration: Long-term; monitor glucose; may transition to insulin if inadequate

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)

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.

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).

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →