Linatab

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

Linatab Introduction

Linatab 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

Linatab 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

Linatab blocks the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) from breaking down the incretin hormones, which normally regulate glucose. By blocking DPP-4, Linatab 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

Linatab 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

Linatab is mainly eliminated through bile as unchanged drug.

Dosage

Linatab 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

Linatab 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

Linatab 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

Linatab 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

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

Drug Interactions

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

Food Interactions

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

Pregnancy Use

Linatab 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

Linatab 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 Linatab resulted in no serious adverse reactions. Other smaller overdoses have resulted in similar results with no serious adverse reactions.

Contraindication

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

Use Direction

Take Linatab 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

Linatab 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 Linatab

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Linatab

less then 30 ## What is Linatab? Linatab 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 Linatab used for? Linatab 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 Linatab work? Linatab 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, Linatab helps to keep GLP-1 levels high, and this helps to control blood sugar levels. ## How long does it take for Linatab to work? Linatab 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 Linatab? Linatab 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 Linatab taken? Linatab 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 Linatab? The most common side effects of Linatab 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 Linatab? If you forget to take a dose of Linatab, 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 Linatab? Linatab 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 Linatab. ## Is Linatab safe to use during pregnancy? Linatab 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 Linatab while breastfeeding? It is generally not recommended to take Linatab 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 Linatab for? Linatab 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 Linatab compare to other diabetes medications? Linatab 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 Linatab? If you experience any severe side effects while taking Linatab, it is important to seek medical advice immediately. You should stop taking the medication and contact your doctor for further advice. ## Is Linatab available over the counter? Linatab 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 Linatab and Sitagliptin? Linatab 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 Linatab stay in the body? Linatab 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 Linatab cause weight gain? It is not known conclusively whether Linatab 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 Linatab? The potential risks associated with taking Linatab 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 Linatab cause hypoglycaemia? Linatab 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 Linatab with other diabetes medications? Linatab 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 Linatab safe for long-term use? Linatab 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 Linatab? If you take too much Linatab 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 Linatab affect driving? Linatab 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 Linatab? Linatab 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 Linatab available in generic form? Yes, Linatab is available in generic form. However, it is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to confirm that the generic version of Linatab is suitable for you. ## Does Linatab need to be taken with meals? It is recommended that Linatab 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 Linatab? It is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking before starting Linatab, as some medicines may interact and cause side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on medications which may interact with Linatab. ## What alternatives are available to Linatab? 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 Linatab similar to insulin? No, Linatab and insulin are not similar. Linatab 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 Linatab? The most common side effect of Linatab 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 Linatab if I have kidney disease? Linatab 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 Linatab? No, tablets of Linatab 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 Linatab? It is important to follow a healthy, balanced diet while taking Linatab. 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 Linatab suitable for people with type 1 diabetes? No, Linatab 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 Linatab? It is generally recommended that you have your blood sugar levels monitored regularly while taking Linatab. The frequency of these tests will depend on your individual circumstances. Discuss this with your doctor or healthcare team.