Sitagliptin: Treatment for Diabetes

Development of new combination therapies with drugs like Sitagliptin and Metformin work robustly against diabetes. Sitagliptin is a prescription medication used to control diabetes with type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing the levels of incretins, which help regulate blood sugar.

Diabetes is a complex disorder with multiple underlying pathophysiology, with concerns including control of glucose level after meals, maintaining metabolic control during acute illness and hospitalisation and limiting weight gain. Present-day management of type 2 diabetes is significantly more effective and easier for patients than in the past, and it promises to improve further. Multiple anti-diabetes medications used in combination obtain glycemic control in the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes.

According to findings published in Diabetic Medicine, when adults with type 2 diabetes do not delay combination therapy by taking Sitagliptin and Metformin together, then the need of insulin is less required and HbA1c lowers down quickly.

Properties of Sitagliptin

1. Sitagliptin is well absorbed orally, is little metabolized and about 80% is excreted unchanged in the urine; the half-life is 8–14 hours. Dose reduction is needed in renal impairment, but not in liver disease.
2. Renal clearance averages 388 ml/minute and doses does not influence it. The AUC is dose-dependent and food doesn’t affect it. Obesity also does not affect its pharmacokinetics.
3. Stiplin is a product having Sitagliptin as the active drug. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor is present in it.
4. Stiplin comes in the form of tablets.
5. Tablets are available in the following strengths:

• Stiplin– 50 mg
• Stiplin– M-500 mg (Sitagliptin + Metformin)
• Typical dosages

The above information describes Stiplin doses that will be commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage of Sitagliptin

Sitagliptin monotherapy is recommended only when metformin cannot be used. The recommended dose of Sitagliptin for treating type 2 diabetes is 100 mg once daily. 100 mg is also the maximum dose of it, so your dosage will not increase further. Therefore it should be used in combination with exercise and a balanced diet.

Note: People with kidney problems may need a lower dosage than usual.

Side effects of Sitagliptin

1. Sitagliptin is not recommended for use in individuals with type 1 diabetes and should be used with caution in those with renal or hepatic impairment.
2. Side effects include nausea, loose stools, headache, rashes, allergic reactions including angioedema, exfoliative dermatitis and edema.
3. Nasopharyngitis and cough occurs in some patients.
4. Pancreatitis is also reported.
5. When Sitagliptin is taken with certain medications or supplements, as a long-term treatment, then Hyper or hypoglycemia can be the possible side effect.

Caution should be exercised when taking it with certain medications or supplements. It is important to consult doctor before starting or changing any medication regimen.