GLY-50 TABLETS (EACH TABLETS CONTAINS VILDAGLIPIN 50MG
VILDAGLIPIN
What it does
Vildagliptin is a medication used to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Commonly used for: type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
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Source: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-05-22 02:34:40 · updated 2026-10-20 04:00:08
About this medicine
Vildagliptin is a medication used to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
What it treats
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
How it works
It helps to increase insulin levels and decrease sugar production in the liver after meals.
Who it's for
It is for adults with type 2 diabetes, especially when diet and exercise alone are not enough to manage blood sugar levels.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: vildaglipin
Vildagliptin is an oral antihyperglycemic agent that belongs to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. It is primarily used to manage blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. By enhancing the body's own ability to lower blood sugar, it helps improve glycemic control when used alongside diet and exercise.
Indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Management of hyperglycemia in adults with diabetes
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific guidelines or the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing recommendations.
Adults: Refer to specific guidelines or the BNF for appropriate dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
Vildagliptin works by selectively inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4, which is responsible for the degradation of incretin hormones such as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide). By preventing the breakdown of these hormones, vildagliptin increases their levels, leading to enhanced insulin secretion in response to meals and reduced glucagon secretion, thus lowering blood glucose levels.
Pharmacodynamics
Vildagliptin's pharmacodynamic effects result from its ability to prolong the action of incretin hormones, which stimulate insulin release from pancreatic beta cells and inhibit glucagon secretion from alpha cells. This dual action contributes to improved glycemic control without causing significant weight gain, which is a common side effect of other diabetes medications.
Pharmacokinetics
Vildagliptin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours. It has a relatively short half-life of about 2-3 hours, necessitating once-daily dosing. The drug is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, with a small proportion metabolized by the liver. Its pharmacokinetic profile is not significantly affected by food intake.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to vildagliptin or any of its excipients
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Adverse effects
- Hypoglycemia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Peripheral edema
- Pancreatitis
Interactions
- May increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with other antidiabetic agents
- Use with caution when combined with drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6
- No significant interaction with metformin or sulfonylureas
Precautions
- Monitor renal function regularly, especially in patients with renal impairment
- Caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis
- Assess for signs of hypersensitivity reactions
Pregnancy
There are limited data on the use of vildagliptin in pregnant women. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Vildagliptin is excreted in human breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets: 50 mg
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.