Vildagliptin is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels by enhancing the body's natural insulin response to glucose. Vildagliptin is typically prescribed when diet and exercise alone are not sufficient to manage blood sugar. It works by inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which breaks down incretin hormones like GLP-1 and GIP, leading to increased insulin release and reduced glucagon secretion.

Key aspects of vildagliptin:

Mechanism of Action:

Vildagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of incretin hormones, which stimulate insulin release from the pancreas and reduce glucagon release, leading to lower blood glucose levels.
Use in Type 2 Diabetes:

Vildagliptin is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults when diet and exercise are not enough to control blood sugar.
Monotherapy or Combination Therapy:

It can be used as a single medication (monotherapy) or in combination with other diabetes medications like metformin.
Potential Benefits:

Vildagliptin can help improve glycemic control, meaning it can help lower HbA1c levels, which are a measure of average blood sugar over time. It is generally considered weight-neutral, meaning it doesn't typically cause weight gain or loss.
Potential Side Effects:

Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nasal passages and throat). There is also a risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used with other diabetes medications.
Drug Interactions:

Vildagliptin may interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor about all the drugs you are taking.

See package insert for full prescribing information.

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Vildagliptin