Empagliflozin

It is, sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, antihyperglycaemic agent, used for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. It carries a low inherent risk of hypoglycaemia as a result of its insulin-independent mechanism of action. It causes modest reductions in bodyweight and blood pressure and has cardioprotective and renoprotective properties in diabetic patient.

Indications

It is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, It reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.

Dosage

Oral; 10-25 mg once daily.

Contra-Indications

End stage renal disease, known hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

Paediatric: Not known if it is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. Pregnancy: Not recommended during second and third trimester of pregnancy. Lactation: Not known, if secreted in human milk, advice not to take during lactation. Elderly: Use with caution.

Side Effects

Hypotension, Ketoacidosis, Acute Kidney Injury and Impairment in Renal Function, Urosepsis and Pyelonephritis, Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin and Insulin Secretagogues, Genital Mycotic Infections, Hypersensitivity Reactions, Increased Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C).

Drug Interactions

Diuretics, use with insulin increases risk of hypoglycemia.