Sitagliptin
ANTIDIABETICUses of Sitagliptin
- Sitagliptin is an anti-diabetic medicine used in adults to manage type 2 diabetes where diet/exercise/other medicines are unable to achieve adequate glycemic control.
- It is also helpful in reducing the chances of stroke, heart attack, and other diabetes-related complications like kidney failure, nerve damage, eye problems and gum diseases.
- It is not used for the type I diabetes
Side effects of Sitagliptin
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Nasopharyngitis (Stuffy nose)
- Upper respiratory tract infections
How Sitagliptin works
- Sitagliptin is an oral hypoglycemic agent.
- It is a Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor which acts by reducing the breakdown of incretins, GLP-1, and GIP, leading to an increased insulin synthesis and decreased glucagon formation. This helps in achieving better glycemic control.
Certified content
Written By
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
B. Pharm, MSc.
Expert Advice
Dosage Forms Available
- Sitagliptin is available for use via oral (tablet) route.
Age And Dose Restrictions
- It is available for adult use with appropriate dose calculation.
Contraindications
- Sitagliptin is contraindicated in individuals who are allergic/hypersensitive to it.
- Alcohol consumption should be avoided when using Sitagliptin.
Other Medications To Avoid With This Medicine
- Sitagliptin can lower blood sugar levels when combined with other anti-diabetic medications. Inform your doctor regarding the use of other medications before this medication is prescribed to you.
Overdose And Missed Dose
- If a dose is missed, it should be taken if there is a time gap from the subsequent dose. If not, then a routine dosing regimen should be followed
Management Of Side Effects
- If hypoglycemia occurs, it's essential to have a quick source of sugar readily available. Carry sugar candies, glucose tablets, or sugary foods and drinks without fat or protein, such as fruit juice, to promptly address low blood sugar episodes.
Use In Driving And Operating Machinery
- It is unlikely to impair the mental alertness or coordination required while driving.
Use In Pregnancy And Lactation
- Sitagliptin is not recommended for use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.
Caution In Other Conditions
- Dose adjustment should be done in cases of Severe kidney disease or End-stage renal disease. Special caution is advised for the use of sitagliptin in patients with pancreatitis as it can aggravate it or precipitate a new attack with symptoms such as severe abdominal pain.
Special Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendation
- Making lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular exercise, is essential when taking Sitagliptin to control blood sugar levels properly.
- After initiating treatment with Sitagliptin, it's recommended to have your blood sugar levels reassessed after 15 days and, subsequently, at regular intervals every 3-6 months. This monitoring helps track the progress of the disease and allows for dose adjustments as needed.
Frequently asked questions
1. How much time does it take to work?
Sitagliptin takes a few (2-3) hours to work or show the action in the body.
2. What medications should be avoided while taking sitagliptin?
There is no such avoidance of medications that is needed with Sitagliptin, but caution is advised for use with Digoxin. When used with other anti-diabetic medications blood glucose levels should be monitored regularly.
3. What precautions and warnings should be taken while taking sitagliptin?
The patient needs to be warned about the possibility of Acute Pancreatitis when taking Sitagliptin, which can present as severe abdominal pain. Immediate medical attention and discontinuation of Sitagliptin are needed in such cases.
4. Does sitagliptin affect fertility?
There is not sufficient data to know the effect of sitagliptin on fertility.
5. Does it cause nausea & vomiting?
Yes, feeling nauseated is a common side effect of the use of sitagliptin.
6. Is it safe to take alcohol while taking siragliptin?
No, alcohol is not considered to be safe for consumption along with the sitagliptin.
7. Does sitagliptin cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels?
Sitagliptin alone may not cause hypoglycemia. However, in combination with other anti-diabetic medications, it may cause hypoglycemia.
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