Alogliptin dosage, side effects
Alogliptin dosage, side effects:
Generic Name: Alogliptin
Drug Class: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor (gliptin class)
Brand Names
Alogliptin is marketed under different brand names worldwide, including:
- Nesina – Primary brand name in the U.S., Japan, and many other countries.
- Vipidia – Brand name used in Europe (EU) and some other regions.
- Kazano – Fixed-dose combination with metformin.
- Oseni – Fixed-dose combination with pioglitazone.
- Incresync – Fixed-dose combination with pioglitazone (used in some markets).
Approved Uses
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) – Used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.
- Can be used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic agents (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, pioglitazone, or insulin).
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits DPP-4, an enzyme that breaks down GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).
- Increases active incretin levels → enhances insulin secretion and reduces glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.
Dosage Forms
- Tablets: 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg (standard strengths).
- Combination tablets:
- Kazano (alogliptin + metformin) – e.g., 12.5/500 mg, 12.5/1000 mg.
- Oseni (alogliptin + pioglitazone) – e.g., 25/15 mg, 25/30 mg, 25/45 mg.
Side Effects
- Common: Upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, headache.
- Less common: Hypoglycemia (when combined with sulfonylureas/insulin), pancreatitis (rare), joint pain.
- FDA Warning: Potential risk of heart failure (monitor in patients with cardiovascular disease).
Contraindications
- History of hypersensitivity to alogliptin (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema).
- Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (not effective).
Key Notes
- No significant weight gain (unlike sulfonylureas or TZDs).
- Renal dose adjustment required (reduce dose in moderate-to-severe renal impairment).
- Less effective than GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2 inhibitors in reducing cardiovascular risk but well-tolerated.
