- Dose and Dosage: The usual starting dose of dapagliflozin is 5 mg taken orally once daily, with or without food. The dosage may be increased to 10 mg once daily depending on individual response and tolerability.
- Frequency: Dapagliflozin is typically taken once daily.
- Route of Administration (ROA): Dapagliflozin is administered orally in the form of tablets.
- Mechanism of Action (MOA): Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys, thereby increasing the amount of glucose excreted in the urine and lowering blood sugar levels.
- Pharmacokinetics (PK): Dapagliflozin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1-2 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 12-14 hours.
- Pharmacodynamics (PD): Dapagliflozin inhibits SGLT2 in the proximal renal tubules, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion and reduced plasma glucose levels.
- Pathophysiology: Dapagliflozin helps regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes by promoting the excretion of glucose in the urine.
- Indications: Dapagliflozin is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control in adults.
- Contraindications: Dapagliflozin is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to dapagliflozin or any of its components, severe renal impairment, or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.
- Drug Interactions: Dapagliflozin may interact with certain medications such as diuretics, insulin, or other antidiabetic agents. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding potential drug interactions.
- Precautions: Patients taking dapagliflozin should be monitored for signs and symptoms of genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infections, and volume depletion. It’s also important to assess renal function periodically.
- Monitoring and Laboratory Tests: Routine monitoring of renal function, including measurement of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), is recommended during treatment with dapagliflozin.
Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding the use of dapagliflozin, including dosage, frequency, and any additional precautions or monitoring requirements.
Medication Information and Guidelines
- Purpose: Dapagliflozin is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps lower blood sugar levels by causing the kidneys to remove glucose from the bloodstream through the urine.
- Usage: Take dapagliflozin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Typically, it’s taken orally once a day with or without food. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.
- Other Uses: Besides treating type 2 diabetes, dapagliflozin may sometimes be used off-label in clinical settings for conditions such as heart failure and chronic kidney disease, but this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Special Precautions: Before taking dapagliflozin, inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems, urinary tract infections, or genital yeast infections. Also, dapagliflozin may increase the risk of dehydration, so it’s essential to stay hydrated and monitor for signs of dehydration such as dizziness or fainting.
- Dietary Changes: While taking dapagliflozin, there are no specific dietary restrictions. However, it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet as recommended by your healthcare provider to help manage your diabetes effectively.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of dapagliflozin, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it’s already the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
- Side Effects: Common side effects of dapagliflozin may include urinary tract infections, genital yeast infections, increased urination, and dehydration. Serious side effects may include ketoacidosis, kidney problems, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Contact your doctor if you experience any unusual or severe side effects.
- Storage and Disposal: Store dapagliflozin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it in the original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Dispose of any unused medication properly according to local regulations or guidelines.
- Emergency: In case of an overdose or emergency situation, such as severe dehydration or hypoglycemia, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center right away. Be prepared to provide information about the medication you’ve taken and your current condition.