Other Brand Names

The trademark of this drug in Indonesia is Nesina.

How It Works

Alogliptin is a medication used to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by inhibiting the DPP-4 (dipeptidylpeptidase-4) enzyme, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar. By blocking this enzyme, alogliptin helps to lower and control blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Indications

Alogliptin is used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Contraindications

Alogliptin should not be used by individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Side Effects

While side effects are rare, some may occur, including:

• Severe joint pain

• Abdominal pain

• Difficulty defecating (constipation)

• Headache

• Itching

• Red patches on the skin

• Heartburn and burning in the chest

• Liver problems

• Kidney problems

• Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., swollen eyelids, potentially life-threatening conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome)

• Upper respiratory tract infections

• Sore throat

Types

Alogliptin is available in film-coated tablets of these dosages:

• 6.25 mg

• 12.5 mg

• 25 mg 

Dosage

Adult dosage: Alogliptin can be used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medications. The usual recommended dose is 25 mg once daily.

Safety

Pregnancy:

Alogliptin is classified as FDA Category B, which means animal studies have not shown any fetal abnormalities, and there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it should only be used if clearly needed.

Drug Interactions

• Combining alogliptin with sulfonylurea antidiabetic drugs (e.g., metformin) may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

• The combination of alogliptin and captopril (antihypertensive drug) may increase the risk of side effects from captopril.

Due to these interactions, the use of alogliptin with other medications should be monitored by a healthcare provider.

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