Sitagliptin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands | MedexInfo

Sitagliptin

Rx Only

Generic NameSitagliptin

Therapeutic ClassDPP-4 Inhibitor / Antidiabetic

Common Dose100 mg once daily

Max / 24h100 mg

PregnancyCategory B

Indications ▼

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as monotherapy when diet and exercise alone are insufficient

Combination therapy with metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin

Improvement of glycemic control by enhancing incretin activity

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme, increasing endogenous incretin levels (GLP-1, GIP), enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, and suppressing glucagon release.

Pharmacokinetics: Rapid oral absorption; peak plasma concentration ~1–4 hours. Bioavailability ~87%. Mainly excreted unchanged via kidneys. Half-life ~12.4 hours; once daily dosing sufficient.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Patient Category	Recommended Dose	Max / 24h
Adults	100 mg orally once daily with or without food	100 mg
Renal Impairment (Moderate)	50 mg once daily	50 mg
Renal Impairment (Severe / ESRD)	25 mg once daily	25 mg
Elderly	Use standard dosing; adjust if renal impairment present	100 mg

Note: Take consistently at the same time each day. Dose adjustment is required in renal impairment. Monitor blood glucose regularly.

Side Effects ▼

Common: Upper respiratory tract infection, headache, nasopharyngitis

Occasional: Hypoglycemia (especially with sulfonylureas), nausea, diarrhea

Rare: Pancreatitis, hypersensitivity reactions, severe joint pain, bullous pemphigoid

Contraindications ▼

Hypersensitivity to sitagliptin or any component of the formulation

Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

Drug Interaction ▼

Sulfonylureas / Insulin: increased risk of hypoglycemia

Digoxin: slight increase in plasma levels, monitor as needed

Other DPP-4 inhibitors: avoid combination

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Category B; use only if clearly needed

Excretion in breast milk unknown; weigh benefits vs risks

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Effectively lowers HbA1c by 0.5–1% as monotherapy; greater reduction when combined with metformin.

Well-tolerated with low risk of hypoglycemia compared to sulfonylureas.

Long-term studies show safety in type 2 diabetes with preserved renal function.

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Take once daily at the same time, with or without food.

Report persistent abdominal pain, nausea, or signs of pancreatitis immediately.

Monitor blood glucose regularly, especially when combined with other antidiabetics.

Storage & Handling ▼

Store at 20–25°C, protect from moisture and light

Keep out of reach of children

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Glipita 50/100 mg Glucodip Incrit Sitagil Sitap Sitavia Sitazid Sliptin Sucosit

Global:

Januvia® Sitagliptin

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: DPP-4 Inhibitor • Condition: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus