# Glipizide: veterinary dose and monograph > Glipizide is a veterinary drug. Oral sulfonylurea hypoglycaemic used in CATS with type-2-like (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus as an alternative to insulin in selected, otherwise-stable patients. Indications include feline non-insulin-dependent (type-2-like) diabetes mellitus — stable, well-selected cats; owner-declined-insulin cases where oral therapy is attempted (with informed limitations). This monograph lists 1 reference dose for cats, each with route, frequency and source. Source: https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/glipizide · Last reviewed: 2026-10-01 ## At a glance - **Drug class:** Veterinary drug - **Also known as:** Glucotrol, Glynase (glipizide), Glytop - **Species with doses:** Cats - **Routes:** PO - **Last reviewed:** 1 October 2026 ## Indications - Feline non-insulin-dependent (type-2-like) diabetes mellitus — stable, well-selected cats - Owner-declined-insulin cases where oral therapy is attempted (with informed limitations) ## Glipizide dose by species Doses are per administration unless stated. mg/kg doses scale with body weight; per-animal, per-quarter and infusion-rate doses are shown as the reference writes them. ### Cats *Glipizide doses for cats* | Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Type-2 diabetes mellitus (non-ketotic, well cat) | 2.5–5 mg/cat | PO | q12h with a meal | — | - Type-2 diabetes mellitus (non-ketotic, well cat): Papich 5e: 2.5–7.5 mg per cat q12h PO — usually 2.5 mg initially, then 5 mg q12h. Plumb’s p.574: 2.5 mg twice daily with food, check glucose every 3–4 h for the first 12–18 h, increase to 5 mg twice daily after 2 weeks if still hyperglycaemic (Herrtage 2009); maximum 7.5 mg twice daily (Feldman 2005). Switch to insulin if ketotic, ill, or glucose >270 mg/dL after 1–2 months. Fewer than half of cats respond. ## Contraindications Diabetic ketoacidosis or any unstable/ill diabetic (use insulin). Insulin-dependent diabetes / non-functional β-cells. Significant hepatic or renal impairment. Pregnancy. Sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Known hypersensitivity. Not for dogs. ## Species-specific warnings > **Caution:** Cats: Only for non-ketotic, stable type-2-like diabetics; if the cat is unwell, ketotic or losing weight, switch to insulin. Stop if hepatotoxicity develops. ## Adverse effects - Hypoglycaemia - Vomiting/anorexia (give with food) - Hepatotoxicity (raised liver enzymes, icterus) — may necessitate stopping - Does not halt ongoing β-cell loss; many cats ultimately need insulin ## Drug interactions - Other hypoglycaemics / insulin: additive hypoglycaemia - Beta-blockers: mask hypoglycaemia signs and may impair recovery - Corticosteroids / progestins: antagonise glucose control (raise glucose) - Hepatically metabolised — CYP interactions can alter levels ## Pregnancy and lactation Avoid in pregnancy (use insulin if a diabetic queen requires glycaemic control). ## Monitoring - Blood glucose / fructosamine and clinical signs (PU/PD, weight, appetite) - Hypoglycaemia signs (warn owner) - Liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity) - Reassess need to switch to insulin if control is inadequate ## Toxicity and overdose The main acute risk is HYPOGLYCAEMIA (weakness, ataxia, seizures, coma) — including from accidental overdose or a cat that eats poorly after dosing. Chronic concern is hepatotoxicity. Overdose of sulfonylureas can cause prolonged, recurrent hypoglycaemia. Management: Treat hypoglycaemia: oral glucose/Karo syrup if conscious, IV dextrose bolus then a dextrose CRI for sustained/severe cases (sulfonylurea hypoglycaemia can be prolonged and recurrent — monitor for hours). Octreotide can blunt refractory sulfonylurea-induced insulin release. Supportive care; monitor glucose closely and check liver values. ## Clinical pearls - An oral option ONLY for stable feline type-2-like diabetes with residual β-cell function — insulin remains more effective and is required for sick/ketotic cats - Always give with food and counsel owners on hypoglycaemia (and to skip a dose if the cat isn't eating) - Watch liver enzymes — hepatotoxicity is a recognised reason to discontinue - Octreotide is a useful adjunct for refractory sulfonylurea overdose hypoglycaemia - Not for dogs (canine diabetes is insulin-dependent) ## Mechanism of action A sulfonylurea that binds the SUR1 subunit of ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic β-cells, closing them; the resulting depolarisation opens voltage-gated calcium channels and triggers insulin secretion. It therefore augments endogenous insulin release and requires functioning β-cells — it cannot work in true insulin-deficient diabetes. Extra-pancreatic effects on insulin sensitivity are minor. ## Formulations and products - 2.5 mg tablet - 5 mg tablet - Glynase — 5 mg tablet, Tablet (human-label) - Glytop — 2.5 / 5 mg tablet, Tablet (human-label) ## Storage Tablets: 15–30 °C, dry, protect from light/moisture. ## Before you use this dose > **Caution:** Reference doses for veterinary professionals. Confirm the dose against the product label, the patient’s condition, current guidance and local regulations before use; the attending veterinarian remains responsible for every clinical decision. ## Other hormones, emergency drugs, supplements and other drugs - [Flumazenil](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/flumazenil) - [Fluoxetine](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/fluoxetine) - [Fluticasone (Inhaled)](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/fluticasone) - [Fomepizole (4-MP)](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/fomepizole) - [Glycopyrrolate](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/glycopyrrolate) - [Gonadorelin (GnRH)](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/gonadorelin) - [Heparin (Unfractionated)](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/heparin) - [Hetastarch (Hydroxyethyl Starch)](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/hetastarch) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the dose of Glipizide for cats? Reference doses for Glipizide in cats: 2.5–5 mg/cat PO q12h with a meal (Type-2 diabetes mellitus (non-ketotic, well cat)). Confirm against the label and the patient before use. ### When should Glipizide not be used? Diabetic ketoacidosis or any unstable/ill diabetic (use insulin). Insulin-dependent diabetes / non-functional β-cells. Significant hepatic or renal impairment. Pregnancy. Sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Known hypersensitivity. Not for dogs. ### What are the side effects of Glipizide in animals? Hypoglycaemia; Vomiting/anorexia (give with food); Hepatotoxicity (raised liver enzymes, icterus) — may necessitate stopping; Does not halt ongoing β-cell loss; many cats ultimately need insulin. ## Sources - Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook - Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th edition - Papich, Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th edition --- VetMasterJi is a clinical decision-support and education platform for veterinary professionals and students. It does not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment for specific animals. All drug doses, calculators and differentials are references that must be independently verified before clinical use; the attending registered veterinarian remains solely responsible for every clinical decision.