Vildagliptin
ANTIDIABETICUses of Vildagliptin
- Vildagliptin is used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults, helping to control blood sugar levels when diet and exercise alone aren't enough.
- It can lower HbA1c levels and reduce the risk of complications like nerve, kidney, and eye problems. It is used either alone or alongside other medications like metformin.
Side effects of Vildagliptin
The side effects of Vildagliptin are:
- Tremors
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Hypoglycemia
How Vildagliptin works
Vildagliptin works by enhancing the body's natural ability to manage blood sugar levels . Here’s Vildagliptin’s mechanism of action:
- Vildagliptin is a DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitor. This enzyme normally breaks down incretin hormones, which are involved in regulating blood glucose. By inhibiting DPP-4, Vildagliptin increases the levels of these incretin hormones.
- Elevated levels of incretin hormones, such as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), lead to increased insulin secretion from the pancreas in response to meals. This helps lower blood glucose levels.
- Incretins also decrease the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that promotes glucose production by the liver. Lower glucagon levels result in reduced hepatic glucose production, further aiding in blood sugar control.
- By enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucose production, Vildagliptin helps improve overall glycemic control and maintain more stable blood sugar levels.
Certified content
Written By
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
B. Pharm, MSc.
Expert Advice
Vildagliptin is used alone or in combination with other diabetic medications to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent the development of serious problems. It is important to take Vildagliptin at the same time every day because this will help you remember to take the medication. It is possible that Vildagliptin when combined with other antidiabetic medications, alcohol, or when meals are delayed or missed, can result in hypoglycemia. Always keep some sweet food or fruit juice with you in case you start experiencing signs of hypoglycemia, such as cold sweats, chilly pale skin, tremors, and anxiety. Vildagliptin may cause dizziness and tiredness. Do not operate a motor vehicle or engage in any activity requiring mental concentration until you have evaluated how the medication will affect you. While you are taking Vildagliptin, you should get your blood sugar monitored frequently. If you have persistent dizziness, joint pain, cold-like symptoms, or unexplained nausea or vomiting, consult your doctor immediately.
Dosage Forms Available
- Vildagliptin can be combined orally (tablet).
Age And Dose Restrictions
- Vildagliptin is not intended to be used by children below 18 years.
Contraindications
- It is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to vildagliptin.
Medications To Avoid With This Drug
- Avoid taking antidepressants (fluoxetine), antihypertensives (amlodipine), diuretics (furosemide), thyroid medications (levothyroxine), and corticosteroids (prednisolone). These medications may alter the safety and effectiveness of Vildagliptin.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Vildagliptin safe to use in pregnancy?
No, using it during pregnancy may not be safe. Although there is a lack of information in human research, there is evidence from animal studies that this is harmful to a fetus. Your doctor will consider the risks and benefits before a prescription is given. Please consult your physician.
2. How much time does it take to work?
Within 1-2 hours, you must experience the benefit of Vildagliptin.
3. Is it safe for breastfeeding mothers?
No, it's likely unsafe to take Vildagliptin during breastfeeding. According to limited human data, the medicine may enter the breast milk and harm the unborn baby.
4. Is it safe for patients with kidney disease to use Vildagliptin?
Yes, it's likely safe to take in kidney disease patients. No modification to the Vildagliptin dosage is recommended. If you have any problems, you should consult your doctor.
5. Is it safe for patients with liver disease to use Vildagliptin?
No, it's likely unsafe to take during liver disease. If you have any problems, you should consult your doctor.
6. Which medications should be avoided while using Vildagliptin?
It is not recommended to use any antipsychotics (e.g., aripiprazole, clozapine), corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisolone), drugs used to treat glaucoma (acetazolamide), a heart stimulant (dopamine), thyroid medicines (e.g., levothyroxine), and diuretic tablets (bendroflumethiazide). Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medications, you must consult your doctor.
7. What warnings and precautions should I take while taking Vildagliptin?
Do not use it if you have an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to any of its components. Do not take Vildagliptin if you take foods rich in sugar. Due to a possible interaction, Vildagliptin worsens the condition of diabetes. We recommend that you consult a doctor as soon as possible.
8. Should I stop taking Vildagliptin if I feel healthy?
No, stopping it suddenly increases the chance of type 2 diabetes. You must take it for as long as your doctor prescribes.
9. Does Vildagliptin affect fertility?
No, it is unlikely to affect fertility in either men or women. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to justify any clear conclusion. Consult your doctor for the most accurate information.
10. Does taking Vildagliptin cause nausea and vomiting?
Yes, using it can cause you to feel nausea and vomiting. If you vomit, drink water or other liquids continuously in small quantities. If you observe symptoms of dehydration, such as persistent vomiting, dark urine with a strong odour, or infrequent urination, consult your doctor. Without first consulting a doctor, avoid taking any additional medications.
11. Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Vildagliptin?
No, Alcohol should be avoided because Vildagliptin could increase adverse effects such as lactic acidosis and increase the chance of low blood sugar.
12. Does taking Vildagliptin cause lower blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)?
Yes, it can cause low blood pressure (hypoglycemia). It is characterised by nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, perspiration, vertigo, a rapid heart rate, and feelings of anxiety or shivering.
13. Does taking Vildagliptin to cause weight gain?
No, there is no evidence that Vildagliptin causes weight gain by itself. However, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for treating diabetes. If you notice any weight gain after taking Vildagliptin, consult your doctor immediately.
14. Does Vildagliptin cause hypoglycemia?
Vildagliptin does not cause hypoglycaemia unless combined with other diabetes medications that can lower blood sugar levels.
15. Does Vildagliptin cause weight gain?
Vildagliptin is generally weight-neutral and does not typically cause weight gain. If you are concerned for weight gain after taking Vildagliptin, consult your doctor.
16. Is Vildagliptin the same as sitagliptin?
Vildagliptin and Sitagliptin are both DPP-4 inhibitors but they are different medications with slightly different profiles.
17. Is vildagliptin better than metformin?
Vildagliptin is not necessarily better than Metformin; their effectiveness depends on individual patient response and specific medical conditions.
18. Can I take vildagliptin and metformin together?
Yes, Vildagliptin and Metformin are often prescribed together to improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
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