Introduction | Sitagliptin, sold under the brand names of Sita, SitaGlu, is an anti-diabetic drug that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is described as being less desirable in the United Kingdom than metformin or a sulfonylurea. It is administered orally. It’s also available as sitagliptin/metformin, a fixed-dose combination drug (Sita-met, Sitaglu-met etc.) |
Class of Medicine | Sitagliptin is a member of the dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) or gliptins class of drugs. It’s used to treat type 2 diabetes, which is caused by an issue with the hormone insulin in your body. |
Mode of Action | Sitagliptin belongs to the gliptin family of anti-diabetic drugs. It works by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme responsible for degrading and inactivating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Increased insulin release after meals and enhanced glucose tolerance occur from an increased GLP-1 level in response to sitagliptin. Because of this feature, as well as the lack of weight gain associated with medication, sitagliptin is now being used as a second-tier treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. |
Medical Uses | The drug sitagliptin is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin it does produce is ineffective. This can result in a spike in blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia). In patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, Sitagliptin should not be administered because it is ineffective. |
Avaiability & Usage | Sitagliptin is available in tablet form and should be taken once a day. It can be taken at any time of day, such as in the morning or evening. Simply make an effort to take it at the same time every day. With a glass of water, take your tablet. Without breaking the tablet, swallow it whole. Sitagliptin can be taken with or without food. |
Side Effects | Sitagliptin, like all drugs, might produce negative effects in some people. However, many people experience no or moderate negative effects. Common Side Effects includes: If your headaches continue more than a week or are severe, see your doctor. If you get a headache after taking sitagliptin, make sure you get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Don’t overindulge in alcoholic beverages. |
Important Warning | Although it is uncommon, some people may experience major side effects after taking sitagliptin. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right once. Severe stomach discomfort Your skin may turn yellow, or the whites of your eyes may turn yellow. Signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine), joint pain, unusual skin blisters, or signs of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, or unusual/sudden weight gain), should be reported to your doctor right away. |
Available Brands | Sita SitaGlu |