Sitagliptin: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Sitagliptin is a Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. Sitagliptin is primarily used for people with type 2 diabetes whose blood glucose is not adequately controlled by diet and exercise alone or by other antidiabetic drugs like metmorfin. Sitagliptin can be added to treatment with metformin or another type of antidiabetic drugs and it can also be used for people who are using insulin. Sitagliptin works by increasing the levels of two hormones in the body; Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP). These hormones are normally produced by the body in response to food intake. Their function is to help control blood glucose (glucose) levels. GLP-1 and GIP stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin in response to increasing levels of glucose in the blood. GLP-1 also reduces the production of Glucagon, which is a hormone that increases glucose production by the liver.

GLP-1 and GIP also reduce the rate at which food passes from the stomach into the intestines, which slows down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. Lastly, they act on the brain to cause a feeling of fullness that reduces further food intake.

GLP-1 and GIP are normally broken down by an enzyme in the body known as Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4. Sitagliptin works by binding to this enzyme and preventing it from breaking down the GLP-1 and GIP. This increases the levels of these hormones in the body and so increases their effect on controlling blood glucose.

SITAGLIPTIN SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of Sitagliptin may include nausea, flatulence, hypoglycemia, headache, peripheral edema, inflammation of the nose and throat, upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat, pain in the arms or legs, arthritis pain, constipation, stomach pain, appetite loss, diarrhea, weight loss, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Sitagliptin Warning and Caution

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) has been commonly reported when Sitagliptin is used in combination with sulphonylurea drugs.

Sitagliptin may also uncommonly cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected you should take care driving or operating machinery.

Sitagliptin should be used with caution in seniors 75 years or older.

Sitagliptin should not be used in insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes and in Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Sitagliptin is not recommended for people receiving dialysis or who have moderate to severe kidney disease.

Sitagliptin is not recommended for children under 18.

Sitagliptin and Pregnancy

Sitagliptin should not be used during pregnancy. During pregnancy, Diabetes Mellitus is usually controlled by using insulin, because it provides a more stable control of blood glucose. If you become pregnant while taking Sitagliptin, or are planning to become pregnant, you should consult your physician right away.

Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while using Sitagliptin.

Sitagliptin Overdose

Sitagliptin overdose symptoms usually include hypoglycemia, dizziness and drowsiness.

In case of Sitagliptin overdose, seek medical attention right away.

A-Z Drug List