This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Vildagliptin is an antidiabetic drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved for treating Type 2 Diabetes mellitus.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Vildagliptin works by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4. This enzyme breaks down incretin hormones, which are responsible for increasing insulin release and decreasing glucagon secretion. By inhibiting DPP-4, this drug prolongs the action of incretin hormones, leading to better blood sugar control.

Uses of undefined

Vildagliptin is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar (glucose) level is high in the body. It occurs when the body cells become resistant to the effect of insulin. As a result of this insulin resistance, the blood glucose level in the body increases. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not make sufficient insulin, or the insulin that is produced is not used well. It is otherwise also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and since it usually occurs past middle age, it is also widely referred to as mature onset diabetes.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Take the Vildagliptin as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless specifically advised by your physician. Notify your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting, or planning for the pregnancy. It is not known whether Vildagliptin passes into breast milk. You should not use this drug if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. This medication is not to be taken by children and adolescents under 18. This recommendation is likely due to this age group's limited safety and efficacy data.

Precautions

If you suspect an allergy to the drug or its components, avoid taking the medicine and consult your doctor. This drug is not recommended in individuals with diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes caused by high blood sugar and the presence of ketones in the blood. If you are taking an anti-diabetic medicine known as sulphonylurea if you are on dialysis due to kidney problems or liver disease, or if you have had heart failure or a history of pancreatic disease. Your doctor may need to adjust the drug dose when taking it together with Vildagliptin to prevent low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).

Side Effects

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Vildagliptin are itchy rash, trembling, headache, dizziness, muscle pain, joint pain, constipation, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, heartburn, nausea (feeling sick), and blurred vision. Some serious side effects include angioedema, liver disease (hepatitis), and pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis).

Word Of Advice

Vildagliptin is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Work closely with your physician and a registered dietitian to develop a diabetes management plan that includes lifestyle modifications. Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels as advised by your doctor. This will help you and your physician assess the effectiveness of the medication and make any necessary adjustments.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Pharmadox Healthcare Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on August 2023] [Accessed on 14th Sept 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.14380.pdf
  2. Galenicum Health, S.L, [Revised on April 2023] [Accessed on 14th Sept 2023], https://medicinesauthority.gov.mt/file.ashx?f=0594EAF2C2622B403776FD1C302BFCBAFBF6CB6184EDD15C
  3. Martha S. Nolte Kennedy, Umesh Masharani, Pancreatic Hormones & Anti-diabetic Drugs, Lange’s  Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 747-771.
  4. KD Tripathi, Insulin, Oral Antidiabetic Drugs and Glucagon, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 280-305.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.