Question 7

Hypoglycemia is a common side effect of glipizide.

Glipizide is an oral medication used to manage blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, and it is known to cause hypoglycemia as a potential side effect due to its mechanism of stimulating insulin release from the pancreas.

A) haloperidol

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and acute psychosis. It does not typically cause hypoglycemia; instead, it may lead to weight gain and metabolic syndrome, which could indirectly affect blood sugar levels.

B) gemfibrozil

Gemfibrozil is a medication used to lower lipid levels in the blood, particularly triglycerides. It is not associated with hypoglycemia; rather, it may have effects on liver function and does not have a direct impact on insulin secretion or glucose metabolism.

C) glipizide

Glipizide is a sulfonylurea that increases insulin secretion from the pancreas, making it effective for lowering blood sugar levels. However, this mechanism also predisposes patients to hypoglycemia, especially if meals are skipped or if the dosing is not properly managed.

D) hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. It is not known to cause hypoglycemia as a side effect; instead, it may lead to electrolyte imbalances but does not directly influence blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

Glipizide is definitively the correct answer as it is specifically designed to manage blood glucose levels and is well-documented to cause hypoglycemia. The other options, while relevant to various medical conditions, do not have hypoglycemia as a common side effect, highlighting the unique action of glipizide in glucose metabolism.