Generic
Vildagliptin
23 brands available in the market
At a glance
Vildagliptin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used together with a healthy diet and regular exercise to control blood sugar levels. This helps to prevent serious complications of diabetes like kidney damage and blindness.
Description
Vildagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, which is believed to exert its actions in patients with type 2 diabetes by slowing the inactivation of incretin hormones. Incretin hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are released by the intestine throughout the day, and levels are increased in response to a meal.
Indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Therapeutic class
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor
Pharmacological class
DPP-4 Inhibitor
Pharmacology
Vildagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It slows the inactivation of incretin hormones. Incretin hormones, including GLP-1 and GIP, are released by the intestine throughout the day and levels are increased in response to a meal. When blood glucose concentrations are normal or elevated, GLP-1 and GIP increase insulin synthesis and release from pancreatic beta cells. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits DPP-4, increasing incretin hormone levels, which increases insulin release and decreases glucagon levels.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Monotherapy: 50 mg or 100 mg daily
- Dual combination with Metformin or a Thiazolidinedione: 50 mg twice daily
- Dual combination with a Sulphonylurea: 50 mg once daily in the morning
- Renal impairment: Moderate, severe and ESRD: 50 mg once daily
Administration
- May be taken with or without food
- Swallow whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; if almost time for next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Common cold
- Cough
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Hypoglycaemia in combination with insulin or sulphonylurea
Precautions & warnings
- May decrease alertness; do not drive
- Take at the same time every day
- May cause hypoglycemia when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal; carry sugary food
- Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function may be needed
- Inform doctor if abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, darkened urine or jaundice occurs
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to vildagliptin
- Moderate to severe renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment (ALT or AST >3x ULN)
- Type 1 diabetes
Drug interactions
- Thiazides, corticosteroids, thyroid products and sympathomimetics: decreased hypoglycaemic effect
Food interactions
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Vildagliptin.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information not available; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Not recommended in patients under 18 years of age
Geriatric use
Caution should be exercised in patients aged 75 years and older
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Moderate, severe and ESRD: 50 mg once daily
Hepatic Impairment: Caution needed; regular LFT monitoring recommended; preferably not advised in liver disease
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Hypoglycemia.
Treatment: Supportive care.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C temperature & keep away from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children.