Drug | Tablet

Type 2 diabetes mellitus: used to improve blood sugar control in adults, as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic medicines along with diet and exercise.

Linagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that increases incretin hormones (GLP-1, GIP) by preventing their breakdown. This increases insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner and reduces glucagon secretion, lowering blood glucose with a low risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone.

Oral tablet: typically 1 tablet (5 mg) once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. Swallow whole with water; continue diet and exercise as advised. Dose adjustments may be needed when used with insulin or sulfonylureas to reduce hypoglycaemia risk.

Nasopharyngitis, cough, sore throat, headache, diarrhoea, rash, hypoglycaemia (especially with insulin/sulfonylureas), constipation, dizziness

Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Use caution in patients with history of pancreatitis; stop and seek medical help if severe persistent abdominal pain occurs. Rare serious hypersensitivity reactions (angioedema, anaphylaxis) and severe skin reactions (bullous pemphigoid) may occur; discontinue if suspected. Monitor for joint pain and signs of heart failure when used with other agents as clinically indicated. In renal impairment, linagliptin generally does not require dose adjustment; follow prescriber advice.

Insulin and sulfonylureas (increased hypoglycaemia risk), strong CYP3A4/P-gp inducers such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, St John’s wort (may reduce linagliptin effect), other antidiabetic drugs (additive glucose-lowering)

Store below 30°C in a dry place. Protect from moisture and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.

Linagliptin 5 Tablet (generic), Linagliptin 5mg Tablet (various brands), Lini 5 Tablet, Linapril 5 Tablet, Linagliptin 5 mg (any equivalent brand)