What is Empagliflozin?
Empagliflozin is an oral medication used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to a class of medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, which work by inhibiting the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, thereby increasing the excretion of glucose in the urine and lowering blood glucose levels. Empagliflozin has also been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
What is Empagliflozin used for?
Empagliflozin is an oral antidiabetic agent of the sulfonamide class, which works by inhibiting sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) in the kidneys. It has been developed and approved for use as a monotherapy or as part of combination therapy to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Empagliflozin is typically prescribed for patients who have had an inadequate response to diet and exercise alone, or for those already taking other medications for their diabetes.
As a selective SGLT2 inhibitor, empagliflozin increases urinary glucose excretion without relying on insulin’s action, which can be beneficial in cases where insulin therapy may not be feasible. By blocking the reabsorption of glucose from the renal tubules back into the bloodstream, empagliflozin leads to increased glucose elimination through urine, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. The drug has also been shown to have potential cardiovascular benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. Empagliflozin’s efficacy is further supported by studies demonstrating its ability to delay the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
Empagliflozin’s unique mechanism of action and favorable profile make it a valuable addition to the treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly those who require an easy-to-use oral therapy that can be combined with other glucose-lowering medications or insulin. As part of combination therapy, empagliflozin has been shown to improve glycemic control, reduce weight, and enhance blood pressure management in addition to its primary role as a glucose-lowering agent.
Empagliflozin side effects
• Diarrhea • Increased urination • Nausea • Headache • Dizziness • Fatigue • Injection site reactions (for IV or SC formulations) • Upper respiratory tract infections • Urinary tract infection • Hypotension (IV formulation only) • Lactic acidosis with metformin co-administration • Genital pruritus • Increased heart rate
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