Glympa 10/5

Linagliptin is used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus and improve blood sugar control in adults. It can be prescribed as monotherapy for patients who do not respond adequately to diet and exercise alone and cannot take metformin due to intolerance or renal impairment. Additionally, it is used in combination with metformin, a sulphonylurea, or insulin when initial treatments fail to achieve sufficient blood sugar control.

Pharmacology

Empagliflozin inhibits the SGLT2 transporter, which reduces glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion in urine.

Linagliptin inhibits DPP-4, an enzyme that degrades incretin hormones. By preserving these hormones, linagliptin enhances insulin release and suppresses glucagon secretion, promoting glucose regulation.

Dosage & Administration

The recommended dose of Linagliptin is 5mg once daily. It can be taken with or without food at any time of day. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, without doubling up on doses in the same day.

Special Populations

For patients with renal impairment, no dosage adjustment is necessary. There is limited clinical experience with linagliptin in patients with hepatic impairment or elderly patients over 80 years old.

Interactions

Linagliptin has shown minimal interactions with other medications like metformin, sulphonylureas, and insulin, indicating a low risk for clinically significant interactions.

Contraindications

Linagliptin should not be used in individuals with hypersensitivity to the drug or its components.

Side Effects

Common side effects include hypoglycemia, particularly when used in combination with other diabetes medications. Pancreatitis has been reported rarely.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The safety of linagliptin during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Its use should be avoided during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Precautions & Warnings

Patients should be monitored for signs of pancreatitis, hypotension, renal impairment, hypoglycemia, and infections. Regular monitoring of renal function is advised, especially in patients with impaired kidney function.

Overdose Effects

Overdose cases with linagliptin are rare; supportive measures should be initiated if overdose is suspected.

Storage Conditions

Store linagliptin below 30°C, protected from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.