When, compared to glipizide, glyburide metabolizes to active metabolites that further accumulate in patients with renal dysfunction and has been associated with a two-fold increase of hypoglycemia in older patients. However, when patients switch to glipizide, significant reductions in hypoglycemic events resulted. Keep in mind that patients who converted to glipizide should be also monitored. Nevertheless, between the two, I'd prefer glimepiride by a slight margin. Doctors give trusted answers on uses, effects, side-effects, and cautions: Dr. Shewbridge on glyburide vs glimepiride: Hi. I'm not a fan of sulfonylurea drugs (the class they're both in) and haven't written for any in years. Glipizide vs Glyburide. Even though glyburide and glipizide are both prescribed to treat diabetes type 2, they still have their differences. They are members of the sulfonylureas which stimulate the pancreatic beta cells that will help release insulin. Glipizide also does not need dose adjustment in severe and moderate renal disease and can be used safely. (The only caution remains the risk of hypoglycemia). (The only caution remains the risk of hypoglycemia). Glucotrol and Glyburide package insert comments: In elderly patients, debilitated or malnourished patients, and patients with impaired renal or hepatic function, the initial and maintenance dosing should be conservative to avoid hypoglycemic reactions Glyburide and glipizide, second-generation oral sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents. Prendergast BD. The chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and dosage of glyburide and glipizide, two second-generation oral sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents, are reviewed. Detailed Glipizide dosage information for adults and the elderly. Includes dosages for Diabetes Type 2; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments. glipizide vs. glyburide), they concluded that treatment with both agents was comparable and not superior to treatment with the first-generation sulfonylureas in this study. Rosenstock et al compared the efficacy and safety of glyburide and glipizide in elderly patients with well- What is the difference between metformin (Glucophage) vs. glipizide (Glucotrol)? Metformin and glipizide are oral medications that lower blood glucose and are used for treating type 2 diabetes. Metformin is also used to treat polycystic ovaries and weight gain due to medications used for treating psychoses. Given the increased risk of severe hypoglycemia with glyburide, especially in patients with renal insufficiency or decreased renal function due to age, an alternative sulfonylurea (e.g., glipizide) is recommended.