Dapagliflozin is an oral medicine used to manage type 2 diabetes by helping the body remove excess sugar through urine. It also offers benefits for people with heart failure and chronic kidney disease. This medication not only controls blood sugar but also supports heart and kidney health.
What is Dapagliflozin?
Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, a class of oral antidiabetic medications. Available in a 5mg, 10 mg tablet form, it is commonly prescribed to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Beyond diabetes, Dapagliflozin is also used to treat heart failure and chronic kidney disease in certain patients. It is sold under brand names such as Farxiga (US) and Forxiga (EU) and is available only by prescription.
Dapagliflozin Class: As an SGLT2 inhibitor, it works differently from other diabetes medications by targeting the kidneys to manage blood sugar levels.
What Are the Uses of Dapagliflozin?
Dapagliflozin is a medicine that helps manage blood sugar and also supports heart and kidney health. It's used for several long-term health conditions.
What Conditions Does It Treat?
Type 2 Diabetes: Helps control blood sugar in adults and children over 10 years. Often used when other diabetes medicines don't work well enough.
Heart Failure: Lowers the risk of death and hospital visits in people with heart failure.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Slows kidney damage and lowers the chance of serious kidney and heart problems.
Other Benefits
Weight Loss: Some people may lose weight as the body removes sugar through urine.
Lower Blood Pressure: It can slightly reduce blood pressure due to increased urination.
Overall Health Impact
Dapagliflozin works on sugar, heart, and kidney issues together. Managing one condition with this medicine can also help improve the others, leading to better overall health.
What is the Difference Between Dapagliflozin 5 Mg and 10 Mg Tablets?
The main difference is their use case and intensity of treatment. Dapagliflozin 5 mg is often a starting dose for type 2 diabetes, while 10 mg is the standard dose for diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. The 10 mg dose offers enhanced cardioprotective and renoprotective benefits.
Dapagliflozin 5 mg
Dapagliflozin 10 mg
Dapagliflozin 5 mg is primarily used as a starting dose for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in patients at risk of volume depletion or with moderate renal impairment.
Dapagliflozin 10 mg is used as a maintenance or maximum dose for type 2 diabetes mellitus and is also the standard dose for heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
This dose helps improve glycemic control by reducing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion.
This dose not only controls blood sugar but also reduces the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and slows progression of kidney disease.
It may be prescribed in combination with other antidiabetic medications when monotherapy is insufficient.
It is often used in combination therapies, and is also FDA-approved for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
How Does Dapagliflozin Work?
The mechanism of action (Dapagliflozin moa) involves inhibiting the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) protein in the kidneys. Usually, this protein reabsorbs glucose from the urine back into the bloodstream.
By blocking SGLT2, Dapagliflozin increases the amount of glucose excreted in the urine, which helps lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, this process may reduce blood pressure and improve heart function, contributing to its benefits for heart failure and kidney disease.
Dapagliflozin Dosage
Dapagliflozin is an oral SGLT2 inhibitor used to lower blood sugar in type2 diabetes and to reduce risk of hospitalisation in heart failure or chronic kidney disease.
Typical dosage
Type 2 diabetes (adults and children ≥ 10 years): start at 5mg once daily; may be increased to 10mg daily if needed.
Heart failure or chronic kidney disease: 10mg once daily for adults.
Tablets can be taken any time of day, with or without food, ideally at the same daily time (morning is often preferred to help avoid nighttime urination).
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Dapagliflozin?
If you remember early: take it as soon as possible, then continue your usual schedule.
If it's almost time for the next dose (e.g., within 12 hours): skip the missed dose and do not double up. Take your next dose at the scheduled time.
What Happens in the Case of a Dapagliflozin Overdose?
Seek medical help immediately (doctor, emergency room, or Poison Control). Excessive dose increases risk of low blood sugar, dehydration, and urinary/genital infections.
Typical signs include a stronger urge to urinate, dizziness, or sweating.
Symptoms of Overdose
Increased polyuria (urine output).
Potential for hypoglycemia - dizziness, shakiness, sweating.
Higher risk of urinary/genital infections from sugar in the urine.
What to Avoid While Taking Dapagliflozin
Dehydration: Stay well-hydrated, especially during exercise, illness, hot weather, or diarrhoea.
Volume depletion drugs: Use cautiously with diuretics; check kidney function before use .
Alcohol: Can affect hydration and blood sugar levels; consult your healthcare provider.
Surgery: Stop dapagliflozin at least 3days before scheduled surgery to reduce risk of ketoacidosis.
Insulin or secretagogues: May require dose adjustments due to risk of hypoglycaemia.
Watch for severe infections: Report urinary/genital infections, signs of Fournier's gangrene, or symptoms of ketoacidosis (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, breathing issues).
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Dapagliflozin tablet side effects can vary, with some being common and others rare but serious. Most side effects are mild and improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
The common side effects don't require medical attention and will disappear as your body adjusts to the dosage.
However, if you experience any severe or rare side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions and Warnings
Before using Dapagliflozin, share your complete medical history with your doctor. Some health conditions or medicines may require extra care or make this drug unsafe for you.
Who Should Not Take Dapagliflozin?
Type 1 Diabetes: This medicine is not meant for type 1 diabetes and may lead to a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Severe Kidney Problems: Not recommended if your kidneys are severely damaged or if you're on dialysis.
Allergic Reactions: Avoid if you've ever had a serious allergy (like anaphylaxis or swelling) to Dapagliflozin.
When to Use With Caution
Kidney or Liver Disease: May affect how the medicine works or is removed from the body.
Heart Conditions: Can be beneficial, but certain heart issues require additional monitoring.
Urinary or Genital Infections: May raise the risk of getting these infections.
Low Blood Pressure or Dehydration: Drink enough water, especially if you're older or taking diuretics.
Pancreas Issues: Let your doctor know if you've had pancreas problems.
Risk of DKA: Illness, fasting, or alcohol use can increase your risk. Your doctor may stop the medicine temporarily in these cases.
Before Surgery or Tests: Always inform your doctor you're taking Dapagliflozin.
Age Restrictions:
Dapagliflozin is generally approved for use in adults aged 18 years and older. In children, it is approved only for those 10 years and older who have type 2 diabetes. It is not approved for use in younger children or for treating other conditions such as heart failure or kidney disease in pediatric patients.
Alcohol and Food Warnings:
While taking dapagliflozin, it is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol consumption. This is especially important if you are also taking metformin, as the combination can increase the risk of serious side effects such as lactic acidosis or blood sugar fluctuations.
Dapagliflozin can be taken with or without food. However, if it is taken in combination with metformin (as in products like Xigduo), it'should be taken with food to minimize the risk of stomach upset.
Stay Hydrated: Maintaining adequate hydration is essential while on dapagliflozin. Drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather, physical activity, or when you are ill, to help prevent dehydration and related complications.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Dapagliflozin isn't approved for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. We don't know if the drug is harmful to an unborn child.
If you're trying for a baby or find out you're pregnant, your doctor will likely switch your medication to insulin for your protection.
Taking dapagliflozin when breastfeeding is usually not advised. There is a chance that the drug can pass into the breast milk.
However, it can have an impact on how babies' kidneys develop and grow. Consult your doctor to determine what is best for you and your child.
They can prescribe a different medication, particularly if you're breastfeeding or have a premature baby.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)
Dapagliflozin may interact with other medications, supplements, or herbal products. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about everything you're taking.
Dapagliflozin may interact with various types of medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. These interactions can affect how the medicine works or increase the risk of side effects.
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about everything you're taking.
What to Do: Your doctor may adjust the insulin or tablet dose to keep your blood sugar safe.
2. Diuretics (Water Pills)
Examples: Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide
Risk: Increased chance of dehydration and low blood pressure
What to Do: Your doctor may monitor your fluids and blood pressure more closely.
3. Lithium
Risk: May reduce lithium levels in your body
What to Do: Doctors may check your lithium levels more often and change the dose if needed.
4. Metformin (Especially With Alcohol)
Combination: Often used with Dapagliflozin in products like Xigduo
Risk: Increases the chance of a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis
What to Do: Avoid drinking too much alcohol and watch for symptoms like weakness or stomach pain.
5. Other Diabetes Medicines
Examples: Dulaglutide, Saxagliptin (in Qtern)
Risk: May cause low blood sugar or other side effects
What to Do: Your doctor may change your dose or monitor your sugar levels more often.
Why Drug Interactions Matter
Dapagliflozin works by lowering blood sugar and removing extra sugar through urine. But when combined with other drugs, especially those that:
Also lower blood sugar (like insulin)
Affect fluid levels (like diuretics)
Depends on kidney function (like lithium)
It can change how your body reacts. This is especially important for people taking multiple medicines (polypharmacy).
That's why it's critical to:
Share a full list of all your medicines with your doctor
Avoid stopping or adding new medications without checking first.
Possible impact when combined with supplements, herbal products
Certain dietary supplements or herbal products can influence blood sugar levels or affect kidney function, potentially altering the intended effects of Dapagliflozin [Provided content].
It is therefore always advisable to discuss any supplements or herbal products being taken with a doctor or pharmacist to prevent potential interactions and ensure safety.
How Should Dapagliflozin Be Stored?
Proper storage of Dapagliflozin is crucial to maintain its effectiveness and ensure its safety. The medication'should be kept in a cool, dry place, shielded from direct light and excessive moisture.
Recommended Storage Temperature for Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature, specifically between 68°F and 77°F (20 °C and 25 °C). Some guidelines also indicate a broader acceptable range of 15 to 30°C.
What Happens If Dapagliflozin Is Not Stored Properly?
Improper storage-like exposing the tablets to heat, air, or light, can:
Reduce how well the medicine works
Lead to the formation of harmful chemicals.
Make the medicine less effective or even unsafe
Important Note: Crushing the tablets can release fine dust that may form flammable clouds in the air. Avoid crushing unless instructed by a doctor or pharmacist.
Keep It Away from Heat, Light, Moisture, and Children
To keep Dapagliflozin safe and effective:
Store it in a cool, dry place (room temperature: 20-25°C)
Keep it away from sunlight and moisture (don't store it in the bathroom)
Always store out of reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion.
Dapagliflozin vs Vildagliptin
Dapagliflozin
Vildagliptin
Dapagliflozin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus to help lower blood sugar levels.
Vildagliptin is a newer oral anti-diabetic medication from the DPP-4 inhibitor class.
It belongs to the class of SGLT2 inhibitors, which work by helping the kidneys excrete excess glucose in urine.
This medication is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Dapagliflozin 10 mg is used to treat type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. It helps lower blood sugar and reduces the risk of hospitalization for heart or kidney problems.
Dapagliflozin is used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which help the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine.
Dapagliflozin is typically taken once a day in the morning, with or without food. It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood sugar control. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Yes, dapagliflozin is often prescribed in combination with metformin to better manage type 2 diabetes. This combination can be especially helpful in patients with coexisting heart or vascular disease.
Dapagliflozin 5 mg is usually the starting dose for people with type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar and may be increased to 10 mg if needed for better control.
Metformin lowers blood sugar by reducing liver glucose production, while dapagliflozin increases sugar excretion through urine. They work differently and can complement each other. Metformin is usually the first-line drug; dapagliflozin is often added later.
Yes, dapagliflozin and metformin are often prescribed together for better blood sugar control. They have different mechanisms and are safe to use in combination. Always follow your doctor’s dosage instructions.
Dapagliflozin is generally safe for kidneys and may help protect kidney function in people with diabetes. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with advanced kidney disease. Always consult your doctor for kidney function monitoring.
Common side effects of dapagliflozin may include rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical attention.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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