Vildagliptin

Antidiabetic Drug

Drug class: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor

Vildagliptin (GALVUS)（中文：維格列汀）

Common Strengths of Vildagliptin Tablet

Vildagliptin tablets are available in the following strengths:

• 50 mg tablets

Drug Trade Names of Vildagliptin Tablet

Galvus is the trade name for Vildagliptin.

It is also sold under various brand names when combined with other antidiabetic medications, such as:

• GALVUS MET TABLET 50/1000MG: Vildagliptin 50mg + Metformin 1000mg
• GALVUS MET TABLET 50/500MG: Vildagliptin 50mg + Metformin 500mg
• GALVUS MET TABLET 50/850MG: Vildagliptin 50mg + Metformin 850mg

Drug Usage

Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits DPP-4 enzyme, increasing levels of incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), which stimulate insulin release and decrease glucagon secretion, thereby lowering blood glucose.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosages

• 50 mg twice daily
• No specific dosage adjustments for hypertension or heart failure
• For diabetic kidney disease (renal impairment):
  • Mild (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²): No dosage adjustment is required. The recommended dose is 50 mg twice daily
  • Moderate (eGFR 30 to <60 mL/min/1.73 m²): 50 mg once daily
  • Severe (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²): 50 mg once daily

Side Effects

Frequency	Adverse reactions
Common	Headache
	Dizziness
	Tremor
	Nausea
Uncommon	Hypoglycemia
	Weight gain
	Constipation
	Pancreatitis
	Hepatitis

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption
  • Rapidly absorbed, 85% bioavailable. Maximum inhibition of DPP-4 activity is seen 30 minutes after a vildagliptin dose.
• Metabolism
  • Primarily hydrolysis, minimal CYP450 involvement
• Elimination
  • Mainly renal excretion, half-life approximately 3 hours.

≥50% inhibition of DPP-4 continues for 10 hours.

Drug Precautions

Pregnancy

Not recommended, limited data available.

Breastfeeding

Not recommended.

Children and Elderly

• Children: Not recommended for use in children <18 years
• Elderly: No dose adjustment is required, but use with caution

Renal Impairment

Dose adjustment required for moderate to severe impairment (refer to dosage section).

Monitoring Requirements

• Liver function
• Blood glucose
• HbA1c
• Signs of pancreatitis

The main symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• Severe abdominal pain, typically in the upper abdomen, that may:
  • Feel worse after eating
  • Be sudden and intense in acute cases
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Rapid pulse/heart rate

Drug interactions

Low potential for interactions, but caution with insulin or sulfonylureas

FAQ

How Should I Take the Tablet?

Take twice daily with or without food.

What Should I Avoid While Taking?

Alcohol (may increase risk of hypoglycemia).

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Take as soon as remembered unless close to next dose, do not double dose