Alogliptin

Uses

Individuals with type 2 diabetes can use this medication to manage high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Depending on the patient’s condition, it can be used alone or with other medications, along with a balanced diet (appropriate diet and exercise)

 IUPAC name: 2-[[6-[(3R)-3-aminopiperidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-2,4-dioxopyrimidin-1-yl]methyl]benzonitrile

Drug class: Anti-diabetic drug; Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor

Route of administration: Oral

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

The drug inhibits DPP-4, an enzyme that destroys incretin. This leads to higher level of incretins. Incretins help to control blood sugar by increasing insulin release only when it is necessary and by reducing the amount of sugar or glucose produced by the liver. 

Side effects

It may cause nausea, headache, joint pain, sore throat, stomach discomfort, itching, rash, blistering of the skin, blurred vision, sweating, shakiness, dizziness, low blood sugar level (hypoglycemic), weight gain. 

Precautions

Before using this medication, take the following precautions and notify your doctor:

If you are allergic to it or have any other allergies,

If you are taking any other medication (prescribed, non-prescribed, or herbal products),

It is not used to treat individuals with type 1 diabetes.

If you have a history of  hepatic issues, renal, or cardiac disease (heart failure), swelling of the pancreas, diabetic ketoacidosis, a high level of triglycerides in the blood,

If you have undergone any type of surgery,

Limit your alcohol usage since it increases your chances of obtaining low blood sugar levels. It may also cause headaches, vomiting, nausea, flushing, disorientation, and anxiety.

You may have dizziness, changes in vision, or lack of awareness as a result of low or high blood sugar levels.

When your body is stressed, controlling your blood glucose level becomes challenging.

Consult your doctor if you get pregnant or if you are breastfeeding while using this medication.

In the case of pregnancy, consult the doctor.