Sitagliptin

Generic Details

Generic Name

Sitagliptin

Other Names

  • Januvia

Drug Class

  • Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor

Chemical Formula

C16H15F6N5O

Molecular Weight

407.31 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits DPP-4 enzyme, which in turn increases the levels of incretin hormones

Indications

  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • 100 mg once daily

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not established

Geriatric Dosage

  • No adjustment necessary

Side Effects

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Headache
  • Pancreatitis

Contraindications

  • History of hypersensitivity to sitagliptin

Pregnancy Category

  • Category B

Lactation Safety

  • Compatible, but caution advised

Drug Interactions

  • Cyclosporine
  • Rifampin
  • Digoxin

Overdose Symptoms

  • Hypoglycemia

Antidote for Overdose

  • Glucose or glucagon administration

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration
  • Distribution: Highly protein-bound
  • Metabolism: Primarily in liver via CYP3A4 enzyme
  • Excretion: Mainly via urine

Precautions

  • Monitor renal function regularly

Warnings

  • Risk of acute pancreatitis
  • Hypoglycemia risk

Others

  • Sitagliptin may be used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medications.