Dapagliflozin is an oral anti-diabetic medication belonging to the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors drug class. Approved by the FDA, it is an important therapeutic option for managing blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. As an SGLT2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin works by blocking the SGLT2 transporter in kidney tubules. The novel mechanism of action provides an insulin-independent approach to lower blood sugar. If you are looking forward to ordering Dapagliflozin Impurities, this blog will help you delve deeper into how exactly dapagliflozin exerts its anti-hyperglycemic effects. Also, explore its clinical uses, safety considerations, and potential side effects. Let’s begin!
Mechanism of Action- Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin belongs to a class of medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. SGLT2 is a protein in the kidneys that is responsible for reabsorbing glucose back into the bloodstream. When glucose levels in the blood rise after a meal, most of the glucose is normally reabsorbed by the kidneys back into circulation.
However, dapagliflozin is highly selective for SGLT2. It binds to and blocks the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, preventing it from reabsorbing glucose. This promotes the excretion of glucose via the urine and lowers blood glucose levels independent of insulin. By blocking renal glucose reabsorption, dapagliflozin increases urinary glucose excretion (glycosuria). The more glucose in the urine, the lower the blood glucose levels.
Uses of Dapagliflozin
As mentioned earlier, the primary use of dapagliflozin is for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is usually prescribed alongside diet and exercise to improve glycemic control. Specifically, it is indicated to:
- Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes who have known cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors
Dapagliflozin is also FDA-approved to treat:
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure
- Reduce the risk of further kidney function decline, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease
How Quickly Does it Work?
Most patients will notice a drop in their blood glucose levels within the first few weeks of starting dapagliflozin. Maximum efficacy is usually seen within 3-6 months as the drug continues to promote urinary glucose loss over time.
Dapagliflozin lowers both fasting and post-prandial (after meals) blood glucose. It provides around a 0.5-1.0% reduction in HbA1c (average blood sugar level over 3 months) when used alone. The glucose-lowering effect is maintained for as long as dapagliflozin is continued.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, dapagliflozin can cause side effects, some of which are quite serious. The most common side effects include:
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Yeast infections of the penis
- Urinary tract infections
More serious potential side effects include dehydration, ketoacidosis, and a rare but serious tissue infection between the genitals and anus called necrotizing fasciitis. Dapagliflozin may also cause low blood sugar when used with other anti-diabetic drugs that can lower blood glucose such as insulin or sulfonylureas.
Due to the risk of dehydration and ketoacidosis, it should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes. It is also contraindicated in those with kidney or liver impairment, during pregnancy, and in those receiving immunosuppressants. Careful safety monitoring is required.
Conclusion
In summary, dapagliflozin helps control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and reduces cardiovascular risks by selectively inhibiting SGLT2 in the kidneys. This promotes urinary glucose excretion and lowers blood glucose independent of insulin. While generally well-tolerated, it requires careful safety monitoring due to risks of dehydration, DKA, and infections. Leading manufacturers are involved in developing dapagliflozin impurities to aid related pharmaceutical research. If you need high-quality dapagliflozin impurities for your research needs, we encourage you to choose the trusted suppliers.
Connect with Dapagliflozin Impurities Manufacturers
Aquigen Bio Sciences is one of the prominent Dapagliflozin Impurities Manufacturers and Suppliers. We provide research-grade chemicals and analytical support related to dapagliflozin synthesis. We are known for our quality, reliability and expertise in drug development. Feel free to get in touch with us over at [email protected] or call us on +91 7030123794. Our team will understand your dapagliflozin requirements and get back to you shortly.