Generic
Empagliflozin
61 brands available in the market
At a glance
Empagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
Description
Empagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor that reduces renal glucose reabsorption and lowers renal threshold for glucose, increasing urinary glucose excretion. It contributes to reduced hyperglycemia, weight loss, and blood pressure reduction. Recommended dose: 10 mg once daily in the morning, may be increased to 25 mg. Common side effects include urinary tract infections, female genital mycotic infections, dehydration, hypotension, weakness, dizziness and increased thirst. Contraindicated in severe renal impairment, type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Indications
- Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Reduction of cardiovascular death in type 2 diabetes with established cardiovascular disease
Therapeutic class
Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors
Pharmacological class
SGLT2 Inhibitor
Pharmacology
Empagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor. SGLT2 co-transporters are responsible for reabsorption of glucose from the glomerular filtrate in the kidney. SGLT2 inhibition reduces renal absorption and lowers renal threshold for glucose, resulting in increased glucose excretion, reduced hyperglycemia, weight loss, and reduced blood pressure.
Mechanism of action
Empagliflozin reduces glucose reabsorption in the renal proximal convoluted tubules and increases urinary glucose excretion, lowering blood glucose concentration.
Dosage
Adult Dose: 10 mg once daily in the morning, may be increased to 25 mg if needed.
Renal Dose: CrCl <45 mL/min: Contraindicated. <60 mL/min: Max 10 mg daily.
Administration
Oral tablet. Take in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not chew, crush or break. May be taken with or without food, but better to take at a fixed time (morning).
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Empagliflozin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Urinary tract infections
- Female genital mycotic infections
- Dehydration
- Hypotension
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Increased thirst
Precautions & warnings
- Empagliflozin is used alone or with other diabetes medicines to control blood sugar.
- It may cause loss of too much fluid (dehydration) or frequent urination. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- May cause hypoglycemia when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if meals are skipped. Carry sugary food or fruit juice with you.
- Can cause genital fungal and/or urinary tract infections in both females and males; practice good hygiene.
- Monitor blood sugar regularly.
- Inform doctor if you experience constant dizziness, joint pain, cold-like symptoms or unexplained nausea/vomiting.
Contraindications
- Treatment for type 1 DM or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Renal impairment (CrCl <45 mL/min), ESRD, or patients on haemodialysis
- Lactation
- Severe hypersensitivity reaction to Empagliflozin or any ingredient
Drug interactions
Additive hypoglycemic effect with insulin and insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas). Increased risk of dehydration and hypotension when used with diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop diuretics).
Food interactions
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Empagliflozin.
Use in pregnancy
Empagliflozin may be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects. Doctor will weigh benefits and risks.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Information regarding the use of Empagliflozin during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients not established.
Geriatric use
Limited information available regarding dose adjustment for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: Probably unsafe and should be avoided. Contraindicated in CrCl <45 mL/min.
Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in severe liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
In the event of overdose, usual supportive measures should be employed. Removal by hemodialysis has not been studied.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Empagliflozin