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 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
Q:
Can I take Sitagliptin during pregnancy?
A:
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
Q:
Can I take Sitagliptin while breastfeeding?
A:
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
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Sitagliptin?
A:
- 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
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Sitagliptin?
A:
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 insulin synthesis by the pancreas, thereby reducing glucose levels. It also decreases glucagon levels, which is a counter-hormone of insulin, thus further reducing blood sugar levels....
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 dietitian or diabetes educator recommends. It is advisable to follow a strict diabetic diet and exercise regimen to further improve overall control of the disease....
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. Immediately consume some sugar/ glucose drink or eat a chocolate and call for emergency medical help....
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 compensate for a missed one. Taking double doses can be harmful as it can drop the glucose level strictly....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Ravi Kakarla
MBBS, MBA
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
References
View All
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Sitagliptin. [Updated 2019 Feb 7].
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Sitagliptin. [Updated 2019 Feb 7].
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Sitagliptin. [Updated 2019 Feb 7].
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Sitagliptin. [Updated 2019 Feb 7].
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