Wheatgrass - Glucotrol (Glipizide) Interaction
Herbal: Wheatgrass
Also Known As: Triticum aestivum, Agropyre, Blé en Herbe, Bread Wheat, Brote del Trigo, Common Wheat, Grano, Herbe de Blé, Wheat, Wheat Grass
Drug: Glipizide
Brand names:
Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Glipizide is classified as belonging to the following category: Antidiabetes Drugs
Some animal research shows that wheatgrass lowers blood glucose and stimulates the release of insulin from beta-cells. Theoretically, wheatgrass might decrease blood glucose and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetes drugs, increasing the risk for hypoglycemia. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications may be necessarily. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Wheatgrass Overview
Wheatgrass is a type of grass that is typically grown from the wheat plant (Triticum aestivum). It is often consumed in the form of juice or powder.
Wheatgrass is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and it is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used as a supplement to help improve digestion, boost the immune system, improve energy levels, promote weight loss, and reduce the symptoms of conditions such as arthritis and asthma.
For most individuals, supplementation with wheatgrass is primarily used as a concentrated source of nutrients as the powdered form can easily be added to health drinks.
Glipizide Overview
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Glipizide is used along with diet and exercise, and sometimes with other medications, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Glipizide is in a class of medications called sulfonylureas. Glipizide lowers blood sugar by causing the pancreas to produce insulin (a natural substance that is needed to break down sugar in the body) and helping the body use insulin efficiently. This medication will only help lower blood sugar in people whose bodies produce insulin naturally. Glipizide is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may occur if high blood sugar is not treated).
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Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.
Wheatgrass - More Interactions
Wheatgrass interacts with 84 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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