Sitagliptin

Molecule Description

Sitagliptin is an antidiabetic medicine that can inhibit an enzyme called DPP4

which is necessary for the metabolism of glucose and insulin.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Sitagliptin

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Contraindications of Sitagliptin

When should one not use Sitagliptin

Do not take Sitagliptin if you have-
Type I diabetes mellitus
Allergic reaction to Sitagliptin
Any severe infection
Diabetic coma

Side effects of Sitagliptin

Common side effects of this drug are:

Stuffed or runny nose
Sore throat
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea, vomiting
Joint pain
Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting) (serious side effect)
Constipation
Itching, rash
Swelling of hands or legs

Precautions and Warnings of Sitagliptin

Pregnancy

Can I take Sitagliptin during pregnancy?

You should not take this medicine during pregnancy. Limited information is available about its safety in pregnancy, hence do not take this medicine unless it is considered essential by a physician.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Sitagliptin while breastfeeding?

It is unknown if Sitagliptin passes into breast milk. You should not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed without your doctor advise.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Sitagliptin?

Sitagliptin is not known to have an impact on driving ability; however, dizziness and drowsiness is reported in some people
Also, Sitagliptin in combination with other diabetes medicines can cause low blood glucose, which may affect your ability to drive
Keep a juice or a chocolate bar in the car close to you when driving. In case you start feeling any of the above symptoms of hypoglycemia, immediately drink the juice or eat the chocolate bar

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Sitagliptin?

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with this medicine. Consumption of alcohol, together with this drug, may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur, depending on the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. Also, alcohol can increase the risk of developing the severe side effect of pancreatitis.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

An allergic reaction to Sitagliptin
Kidney disease
Gallstones
Pancreatitis (swelling of pancreas)
Rapid weight loss
Alcoholism or very high levels of triglycerides (a form of fat) in your blood
Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Mode of Action of Sitagliptin

How Does It Work?

Sitagliptin is used to lower blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes (condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or use insulin usually). It increases ins...

Interactions of Sitagliptin

Interactions with other medicines

There can be an increased risk of fall in sugar levels when used in combination with Sulfonylureas (Glimepiride) or insulin. Ensure you talk to your doctor about any other drugs you might be taking.

Dietary Restrictions of Sitagliptin

Sitagliptin can help lower your blood sugar levels when combined with lifestyle changes such as improved diet, exercise and avoiding smoking. Follow the nutrition plan that your doctor, registered die...

Dosage of Sitagliptin

Overdose

You may experience slow, fast or irregular heartbeats, fainting, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, confusion, increased sweating and tremors due to sudden decrease in the blood sugar levels. Immedia...

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compe...

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Ravi Kakarla

MBBS, MBA

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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