Linagliptin

Linagliptin Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Linagliptin is a brand name. Its generic name is Linagliptin.

Linagliptin Introduction

Linagliptin is an oral anti-diabetic drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes that belongs to the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class. It is used together with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar. It works by reducing the amount of sugar (glucose) produced by the liver. It also increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin, enabling it more effectively to lower blood sugar.

Uses

Linagliptin is used to control high blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 2 diabetes. It is generally used in combination with proper diet and exercise program.

Mechanism of Action

Linagliptin blocks the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) from breaking down the incretin hormones, which normally regulate glucose. By blocking DPP-4, Linagliptin increases levels of active incretin hormones, which reduce blood glucose.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

It may take up to 2 weeks before you notice an improvement in your blood glucose levels. Consult your doctor to determine if a change in your dosage is required.

Absorption

Linagliptin is slowly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with peak plasma concentration achieved 0.5 to 1.5 hours after oral administration.

Route of Elimination

Linagliptin is mainly eliminated through bile as unchanged drug.

Dosage

Linagliptin is available in tablets of 5 mg and 10 mg. The recommended adult dosage for initial therapy is 5mg orally once daily. The recommended maintenance dosage is 10mg orally once daily. The dosage may be adjusted based on the response.

Administration

Linagliptin should be taken with or without food. It should be taken at the same time, each day.

Side Effect

The most common side effects associated with linagliptin include: headache, nausea, upper respiratory infection, runny nose, sore throat, and abdominal pain. Other side effects include dizziness, muscle pain, and back pain.

Toxicity

Linagliptin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. There have been no reported cases of significant or acute toxicity.

Precautions

Patients should inform their doctor of any medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, and breast-feeding before taking linagliptin. Patients with kidney disease or liver problems should use this medication with caution.

Interaction

Linagliptin may interact with other medications, including oral antidiabetic drugs, stimulants, and other medications. Consult your doctor before taking linagliptin if you are taking any other medications.

Disease Interaction

Linagliptin has not been studied in patients with significant hepatic or renal impairment. Therefore, caution should be used in these patients.

Drug Interactions

Linagliptin may interact with other medications, including oral antidiabetic drugs, stimulants, and other medications.

Food Interactions

Linagliptin is not affected by food and may be taken with or without food.

Pregnancy Use

Linagliptin is a pregnancy category B drug and is suggested not to be used during pregnancy unless necessary and as determined by your doctor.

Lactation Use

Linagliptin is excreted in human milk in small amounts. The potential risk of the infant should be considered before utilizing this drug.

Acute Overdose

In clinical studies, an overdose of 400mg of Linagliptin resulted in no serious adverse reactions. Other smaller overdoses have resulted in similar results with no serious adverse reactions.

Contraindication

Linagliptin is contraindicated in patients with a known sensitivity to the active ingredient or any of the excipients.

Use Direction

Take Linagliptin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose and do not stop taking this medication abruptly unless your doctor advises you to do so.

Storage Condition

Linagliptin tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and dampness.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of linagliptin is approximately 60 L.

Half Life

The half life of linagliptin is 13-16 hours.

Clearance

The renal clearance of linagliptin is approximately 12 liters/h. The hepatic clearance is approximately 4 liters/h.

Here you find in details version of Linagliptin

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Linagliptin

less then 30 ## What is Linagliptin? Linagliptin is a type of medication that works by controlling the levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It belongs to a group of medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. It is used together with diet and exercise to lower blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. ## What is Linagliptin used for? Linagliptin is used along with a healthy diet and exercise to improve glycaemic (blood sugar) control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is used when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not been able to control your blood sugar levels well enough on their own. ##How does Linagliptin work? Linagliptin works by blocking the action of a substance called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). DPP-4 is an enzyme that breaks down the hormone GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps to control blood glucose levels. By blocking the action of DPP-4, Linagliptin helps to keep GLP-1 levels high, and this helps to control blood sugar levels. ## How long does it take for Linagliptin to work? Linagliptin generally starts working within 24 hours of taking it. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for your glycaemic control to improve, however this can vary from person to person. ## Who can take Linagliptin? Linagliptin is only suitable for adults. Generally, it is unsuitable for children under the age of 18. Your doctor will have checked your suitability for this medication. ## How is Linagliptin taken? Linagliptin comes in the form of tablets which are taken orally with water. It is recommended that it is taken with food. The recommended dose is usually 5 mg once daily, however your doctor may prescribe a lower or higher dose depending on your individual circumstances. ## What are the side effects of Linagliptin? The most common side effects of Linagliptin include headache, upper respiratory infections, and stuffy/ runny nose. Less common side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and influenza. If you experience any side effects, you should speak to your doctor for advice. ## What should I do if I forget to take my Linagliptin? If you forget to take a dose of Linagliptin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. ## What other medications can interact with Linagliptin? Linagliptin can interact with some other medications, such as laxatives, insulin, and other antidiabetic medications. It can also interact with antibiotics, antifungal medications, and some heart medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting Linagliptin. ## Is Linagliptin safe to use during pregnancy? Linagliptin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is important to speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication before starting it. ## Is it safe to take Linagliptin while breastfeeding? It is generally not recommended to take Linagliptin while breastfeeding. It is important to speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication before deciding to take it. ## How long should I take Linagliptin for? Linagliptin should be taken for as long as prescribed by your doctor. It is important not to stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor first. ## How does Linagliptin compare to other diabetes medications? Linagliptin is generally well tolerated and has been shown to be effective in controlling blood glucose levels. However, as with all medications, it is important to assess the risks and benefits of taking this medication versus other available diabetes medications. ## What should I do if I experience severe side effects from Linagliptin? If you experience any severe side effects while taking Linagliptin, it is important to seek medical advice immediately. You should stop taking the medication and contact your doctor for further advice. ## Is Linagliptin available over the counter? Linagliptin is a prescription-only medication and is not available over the counter. You will need to have a doctor’s prescription before you can obtain this medication. ## What is the difference between Linagliptin and Sitagliptin? Linagliptin and Sitagliptin are both DPP-4 inhibitors used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work in similar ways but have slightly different chemical structures. Generally, they are used in the same way, however your doctor may decide that one is more suitable for you than the other. ## How long does Linagliptin stay in the body? Linagliptin has a half-life of approximately 14 hours, which means that it takes approximately 14 hours for the concentration of the medication in the blood to be reduced by 50%. ## Does Linagliptin cause weight gain? It is not known conclusively whether Linagliptin causes weight gain in all people. Some people taking this medication may experience weight gain, however this is not a known side effect and should be discussed with your doctor. ## What are the potential risks of taking Linagliptin? The potential risks associated with taking Linagliptin include increased liver enzymes, pancreatitis, allergic reactions, and potentially dangerous drops in blood sugar levels. It is important to speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication before starting it. ## Does Linagliptin cause hypoglycaemia? Linagliptin has been associated with potentially dangerous drops in blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) in some people. It is important to consult your doctor if you experience symptoms of hypoglycaemia (such as dizziness, sweating, or a rapid heartbeat). ## Is it safe to take Linagliptin with other diabetes medications? Linagliptin can be used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as insulin and metformin. However, it is important to speak to your doctor before starting any new medications to ensure they are suitable and will not interact with your other medications. ## Is Linagliptin safe for long-term use? Linagliptin is generally safe for long-term use if used correctly and monitored regularly by your healthcare professional. However, it is important to speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication before deciding whether to take it long-term. ## What happens if I overdose on Linagliptin? If you take too much Linagliptin it can be dangerous and can lead to potentially dangerous side effects such as hypoglycaemia or liver damage. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. ## Does Linagliptin affect driving? Linagliptin does not usually affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience any side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision while taking this medication, it is important to avoid driving or operating machinery. ## How do I store Linagliptin? Linagliptin should be stored at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. It is important to keep this medication out of reach of children. ## Is Linagliptin available in generic form? Yes, Linagliptin is available in generic form. However, it is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to confirm that the generic version of Linagliptin is suitable for you. ## Does Linagliptin need to be taken with meals? It is recommended that Linagliptin is taken with a meal to reduce the risk of side effects such as diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you further advice on this. ## Can I take other medicines with Linagliptin? It is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking before starting Linagliptin, as some medicines may interact and cause side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on medications which may interact with Linagliptin. ## What alternatives are available to Linagliptin? There are a number of alternative medications available for type 2 diabetes, including metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Your doctor can advise you on the best treatment plan for your individual needs. ## Is Linagliptin similar to insulin? No, Linagliptin and insulin are not similar. Linagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor, which works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) to control blood glucose levels. Insulin, on the other hand, is a hormone that helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood by allowing it to be absorbed into body cells and used as energy. ## What is the most common side effect of Linagliptin? The most common side effect of Linagliptin is headache. Other common side effects include upper respiratory infections, stuffy or runny nose, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. If you experience any side effects, you should speak to your doctor for further advice. ## Is it safe to take Linagliptin if I have kidney disease? Linagliptin is generally not recommended for people with severe kidney disease. Your doctor may decide to prescribe this medication if other diabetes medications are not suitable. ## Can I split the tablet of Linagliptin? No, tablets of Linagliptin should not be split or crushed. It is important to take it as a whole tablet with water. If you find it difficult to swallow, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. ## Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Linagliptin? It is important to follow a healthy, balanced diet while taking Linagliptin. This is because some foods can affect your blood sugar levels. Speak to your doctor or qualified nutritionist for advice on what to eat while taking this medication. ## Is Linagliptin suitable for people with type 1 diabetes? No, Linagliptin is only suitable for people with type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes may be prescribed insulin to control their blood sugar levels. ## How often should I have my blood sugar levels monitored while taking Linagliptin? It is generally recommended that you have your blood sugar levels monitored regularly while taking Linagliptin. The frequency of these tests will depend on your individual circumstances. Discuss this with your doctor or healthcare team.