Ligotin

 12.5 mg Tablet
Drug International Ltd.
Unit Price: ৳ 12.00 (2 x 14: ৳ 336.00)
Strip Price: ৳ 168.00
Indications
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:
    Approved for improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as monotherapy when diet and exercise alone are inadequate or in combination with other antidiabetic agents including metformin, sulfonylureas, pioglitazone, or insulin.
  • Combination Therapy:
    Used as part of combination regimens for patients inadequately controlled on one or more oral antidiabetic drugs.
  • Off-label Uses (Clinically Accepted):
    Occasionally considered adjunctive therapy in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or in those who require renal function preservation during diabetes management. Not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Dosage & Administration
  • Adults:
    Standard oral dose is 25 mg once daily, with or without food.
  • Elderly:
    No dose adjustment generally required, but caution advised in patients with reduced renal function.
  • Renal Impairment:
    • Mild to moderate renal impairment (eGFR ≥30 to <90 mL/min): No dosage adjustment necessary.
    • Severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (eGFR <30 mL/min): Reduce dose to 12.5 mg once daily.
  • Hepatic Impairment:
    No specific dose adjustment recommended in mild or moderate hepatic impairment; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment.
  • Pediatrics:
    Safety and efficacy not established; use not recommended in patients under 18 years.
  • Route: Oral administration.
Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Alogliptin is a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It works by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4, which degrades incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). By preventing their degradation, alogliptin increases endogenous incretin levels, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon release, leading to improved glycemic control. This mechanism helps reduce both fasting and postprandial blood glucose without significant risk of hypoglycemia.

Pharmacokinetics
  • Absorption:
    Rapidly absorbed after oral administration; peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) achieved within 1–2 hours.
  • Bioavailability: Approximately 100%.
  • Distribution: Volume of distribution is moderate (~417 L), with low plasma protein binding (~20%).
  • Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism; primarily excreted unchanged.
  • Half-life: Approximately 21 hours, supporting once-daily dosing.
  • Elimination: Mainly eliminated via renal excretion (~60-70%) unchanged; the remainder eliminated in feces.
Pregnancy Category & Lactation
  • Pregnancy:
    FDA Pregnancy Category B — animal studies have not demonstrated risk to the fetus; however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed.
  • Lactation:
    It is unknown whether alogliptin is excreted in human breast milk. Caution is advised when administered to breastfeeding mothers; breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment.
Therapeutic Class
  • Primary Class: Antidiabetic Agent
  • Subclass: Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor (Gliptin)
Contraindications
  • Known hypersensitivity to alogliptin or any excipients
  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis (due to lack of efficacy and risk)
  • Severe hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome reported with DPP-4 inhibitors (discontinue immediately if occurs)
Warnings & Precautions
  • Pancreatitis:
    Cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported; monitor for persistent severe abdominal pain. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected.
  • Hypersensitivity Reactions:
    Serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported.
  • Heart Failure:
    Increased risk of heart failure hospitalizations noted in some patients; exercise caution especially in patients with pre-existing heart failure.
  • Renal Impairment:
    Dose adjustments are necessary; monitor renal function regularly.
  • Hypoglycemia:
    Risk increases when used with sulfonylureas or insulin; monitor accordingly.
  • Monitoring:
    Regular blood glucose and renal function monitoring are advised.
Side Effects

Common:

  • Nasopharyngitis
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Arthralgia

Less Common:

  • Hypoglycemia (mainly when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas)
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, diarrhea)
  • Rash or pruritus

Rare/Serious:

  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
  • Heart failure exacerbation
Drug Interactions
  • Major Interactions:
    • Increased risk of hypoglycemia with insulin or sulfonylureas.
    • No significant CYP450 enzyme interactions; minimal metabolism reduces interaction potential.
  • Drug-Food Interactions:
    Food does not significantly affect alogliptin absorption.
  • Drug-Alcohol Interactions:
    No known significant interactions, but alcohol may affect glycemic control.
Recent Updates or Guidelines
  • Current diabetes management guidelines (ADA, EASD) recommend DPP-4 inhibitors including alogliptin as a second-line or adjunctive therapy after metformin in type 2 diabetes.
  • Recent safety data emphasizes monitoring for heart failure risk and pancreatitis.
  • No major changes in dosing recommendations or approved indications recently reported by FDA or EMA.
Storage Conditions
  • Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C.
  • Protect from moisture and light.
  • Keep in original packaging until use.
  • Do not freeze.