Drug Overview:
Alogliptin benzoate is a salt derived from equal amounts of Alogliptin and benzoic acid used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Alogliptin benzoate acts by regulating blood sugar levels along with proper diet and exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes. Alogliptin benzoate is available in the oral tablet form in doses of 25 milligrams, 12.5 milligrams, and 6.25 milligrams for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in both adults and children. Read the article to know more about the uses, precautions, warnings, actions, and side effects of Alogliptin benzoate.
How Does the Drug Alogliptin Benzoate Work?
The drug Alogliptin benzoate works by inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) that destroys or degrades incretin's glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucose-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). The levels of active plasma incretins increase after the inhibition of enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), thereby helping in controlling sugar levels.
The glucose-dependent insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas is stimulated by both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucose-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).
Uses of Alogliptin Benzoate:
Alogliptin benzoate is used to regulate blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetic patients. However, Alogliptin benzoate can regulate sugar levels but cannot cure it completely.
Dosage of Alogliptin Benzoate:
Alogliptin benzoate is available in the form of oral tablets. The dosage approved for Alogliptin in the management of type 2 diabetes is 25 milligrams once a day for adults. It can be taken with or without food once a day. It is also available in a dosage of 12.25 milligrams and 6.25 milligrams tablets.
Warnings:
Risk of Pancreatic Problems: The use of Alogliptin is associated with the risk of pancreatitis, which may lead to severe abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back. So, inform the doctor in case of any history of pancreatic disease. It is recommended to continuously monitor for the signs of pancreatitis if patients are kept on Alogliptin benzoate medications.
Risk of Kidney Problems: The use of Alogliptin can increase the risk of kidney diseases in patients on dialysis or with a history of kidney diseases. It is necessary to inform the doctor if the patient is on renal dialysis or has a history of the same. Alogliptin should be given cautiously in patients with renal disease with dose modifications or adjustments after a thorough evaluation of the condition by the doctor.
Risk of Cardiac Failure: Any history of previous cardiac diseases should be informed to the doctor, as using Alogliptin in patients with a history of heart failure may develop signs of heart failure such as breathlessness and swelling of the feet. So the use of Alogliptin should be avoided in such patients.
Risk of Arthralgia: The use of Alogliptin benzoate medications is associated with the risk of developing severe arthralgia. So it is advised to monitor any signs and symptoms of arthralgia and immediately stop the medications in such patients to relieve symptoms.
Risk of Liver disease: Alogliptin benzoate medication can cause the risk of hepatic failure in patients. So any history of liver disease should be informed to the doctor prior. It is recommended to monitor the patient on Alogliptin for signs of abdominal pain, jaundice, and dark urine. In case of such symptoms, the drug should be discontinued.
For Patients:
What Do You Need to Know About Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that is characterized by disturbance or disruption in the mechanism of the body to regulate and use glucose according to the needs. It, therefore, results in the overproduction of sugar in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs due to either of the following two reasons:
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The inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin is required to regulate the sugar movement into the cells.
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Cells do not utilize the insulin secreted and thereby take in less sugar.
Learn More About Alogliptin Benzoate:
When and Why to Take Alogliptin Benzoate Medication?
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Alogliptin benzoate tablets are taken to control the blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin that is needed to maintain the blood sugar levels. The drug Alogliptin benzoate works by improving glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Alogliptin benzoate medication can be taken once a day at a dose of 25 milligrams for adults under the doctor's supervision and after a complete clinical examination by the doctor.
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The medication Alogliptin is also available in doses of 12.5 and 6.25 milligrams that can be prescribed by the doctor if any dose adjustments or modifications are needed.
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For children, the dose is modified or adjusted by the doctor based on the patient's clinical examination and blood sugar tests.
How Effective Is Alogliptin Benzoate in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes?
Alogliptin benzoate effectively regulates the blood sugar level by actively inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), which is responsible for the inactivation of incretin's glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucose-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Thereby increasing the concentration of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucose-like peptide 1 in the bloodstream, thereby regulating the glucose levels of the blood.
Things to Inform the Doctor Before They Prescribe You Alogliptin Benzoate:
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Inform the doctor if in case there is any medicinal allergy to any group of drugs, as it may lead to hypersensitivity reactions in such patients.
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Inform the doctor of any prior history of systemic diseases like cardiac, renal, and liver diseases.
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Inform the doctor about any previous history of surgery.
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Inform the doctor if any medications are ongoing and about the drug history if there.
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Inform the doctor of any history of dialysis or radiation therapy.
Starting Alogliptin Benzoate Medications:
How to Take Alogliptin Benzoate?
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Alogliptin benzoate medications are available in the form of oral tablets. It is advised to take 25 milligrams of Alogliptin benzoate tablet once daily with water at a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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The tablets can be consumed with or without food.
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It is advised not to crush or chew the tablet.
Things to Do After You Start Alogliptin Benzoate Medications:
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Inform the doctor immediately if any signs of allergies develop soon after taking medications.
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Inform the doctor if signs and symptoms like abdominal pain, urine color change, or shortness of breath are noticed.
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Keep noticing the improvement in the symptoms and update the doctor about the same during the follow-up sessions.
Look Out for the Side Effects:
It is advisable to notice if any of the following side effects occur while on Alogliptin medications and inform the doctor soon.
Common side effects which occur for longer durations like
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Headaches.
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Runny nose.
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Sore throat.
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Pain in the joints.
Serious side effects like
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Shortness of breath.
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Abdominal pain that radiates to the back.
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Change in color of urine (dark urine).
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Yellowing of eyes and skin.
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Sudden weight gain.
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Fever.
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Blisters or eruptions on the skin.
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Skin peeling.
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Itching or scratching of the skin.
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Swallowing difficulties.
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Swelling of the feet, legs, and ankles.
Dietary Alterations:
No specific dietary alterations are needed when on Alogliptin drugs. However, it is advised to avoid alcohol when under medication.
What Should Be Done if You Forgot a Dose?
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It is advised to take the dose soon when remembered if in case the dose of medication is missed.
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Consuming a double dose of medication to compensate for missed doses is not advisable.
What Should Be Done in Case of Overdose of Alogliptin?
In case there is an overdose of the medication, it is advised to call the poison control helpline. If any serious side effects like shortness of breath or seizures occur, it is advised to call the emergency medical services immediately.
What Are the Storage Conditions for Alogliptin Benzoate Drug?
Alogliptin benzoate should be kept in an airtight container at a temperature of 15 to 30 degrees celsius and away from moisture.
Avoid Self-Prescription:
Alogliptin should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor in specific doses and schedules as prescribed.
Staying On Alogliptin Benzoate:
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It is recommended to take the drug at a specific schedule and doses as prescribed by the doctor.
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Inform the doctor in case of a missed dose.
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Inform the doctor if any signs and symptoms develop after taking medication or in case of worsening of the symptoms.
For Doctors:
Indications:
The drug Alogliptin is used in both adult and young patients with type 2 diabetes to regulate blood sugar levels.
Pharmacology:
Mechanism of Action:
The drug Alogliptin acts by inhibiting the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) enzyme, which is responsible for the inactivation of incretin's glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucose-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Thereby increasing the levels of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucose-like peptide 1 in the bloodstream, thereby improving glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Pharmacodynamics:
The drug Alogliptin inhibits the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) soon after a single dose of medication within two to three hours.
Chemical Taxonomy:
Kingdom
Organic compound
Superclass
Benzenoids
Class
Benzene and derivatives
Subclass
Benzonitriles
Direct Parent
Benzonitriles
Ingredients:
Active Ingredient:
The only active ingredient is Alogliptin benzoate, and it is available in the form of oral tablets.
Inactive Ingredients:
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Mannitol.
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Microcrystalline cellulose.
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Titanium dioxide.
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Ferric oxide red.
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Shellac.
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Butyl alcohol.
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Magnesium stearate.
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Hydroxypropyl cellulose.
Distribution:
The volume of distribution of Alogliptin is around 417 liters following single intravenous administration of the drug in a dose of 12.5 mg.
Metabolism:
The drug Alogliptin does not have extensive metabolism, but around 10 to 20 percent of the drug is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome enzymes.
Absorption:
Alogliptin drugs can be taken with or without food because of their 100 percent bioavailability. Food does not interfere with the absorption of Alogliptin.
Protein-Binding:
Around 20 percent of Alogliptin is bound to proteins.
Elimination:
Almost 60 to 70 percent of the drug is excreted unchanged through the urine and 13 percent through feces.
Toxicity:
The overdose of drugs can lead to nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections.
Doses and Forms:
The drug Alogliptin benzoate is available in oral tablet form in the following three doses:
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25 milligrams.
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12.5 milligrams.
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6.25 milligrams.
Administration of the Drug:
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The drug is prescribed in oral tablet form at a dose of 25 milligrams for the management of type 2 diabetes in adult patients.
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For young patients, the dose is adjusted and modified by the doctor based on clinical examination and the severity of the condition.
Contraindications:
The drug is contraindicated in patients with allergies to the drug or with hypersensitive reactions.
Drug Interactions:
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Alogliptin, if given in combination with Acarbose, increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
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The rate of excretion of Alogliptin decreases if it is given in combination with Aceclofenac, Acemetacin, and Abacavir.
Other Specifications:
Alogliptin Benzoate in Pregnant and Lactating Women:
The safety of the drug Alogliptin in pregnant and lactating mothers is not determined. It may carry the risk of birth defects, so it is not indicated in pregnant and lactating mothers.
Alogliptin Benzoate in Renal Impairment Patients:
Alogliptin benzoate use in renal patients has shown the risk of renal impairment according to the clinical trials and should be used cautiously in those patients, along with simultaneous monitoring of any symptoms.
Alogliptin Benzoate in Patients With Hepatic Impairment:
According to the clinical trials, no adjustment of Alogliptin tablet doses is required in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. However, the safety of the use of Alogliptin in patients with severe liver impairment has not been proven yet. It is recommended to monitor these patients continuously after starting the Alogliptin tablets to check for any symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, and changes in the color of urine.
