DPP-4 inhibitors: What They Do, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം
DPP-4 inhibitors, also called gliptins, are tablets that lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Examples sold in India include sitagliptin and vildagliptin. They are prescription medicines taken alongside diet and activity.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do DPP-4 inhibitors work?
They block an enzyme (DPP-4) that breaks down gut hormones called incretins, so the hormones last longer after meals. The pancreas then releases more insulin when blood sugar is high, and the liver releases less sugar.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to DPP-4 inhibitors. They are listed A to Z.
- Sitagliptin: Sitagliptin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults.
- Vildagliptin: Vildagliptin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults.
Common questions
Do DPP-4 inhibitors cause low blood sugar?
On their own they rarely do, because they act mainly when blood sugar is high. Low blood sugar is more likely if they are taken with insulin or a sulfonylurea. Know the warning signs and follow your doctor's plan.
What is the main safety warning for DPP-4 inhibitors?
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) is a rare but serious risk: severe stomach pain that does not go away, sometimes reaching the back. Get medical help straight away. Some medicines in the group also need liver tests or care in heart failure.
Sources
- Sitagliptin: a medicine for type 2 diabetes. NHS (UK)
- Galvus (vildagliptin): EPAR medicine overview. European Medicines Agency
- Sitagliptin and metformin tablets (Zituvimet): prescribing information, openFDA record. openFDA, US Food and Drug Administration
- Type 2 diabetes: treatment. NHS (UK)
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission