Istamet 50/500 mg Tablet

Generic Name: Sitagliptin 50 mg + Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg
Category: Oral Anti-Diabetic (DPP-4 Inhibitor + Biguanide Combination)

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Description:

Istamet 50/500 mg Tablet is a combination anti-diabetic medicine used to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It combines Sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) and Metformin (a biguanide).

• Sitagliptin works by blocking the DPP-4 enzyme, increasing incretin hormone levels, which stimulate insulin release and reduce liver glucose production, particularly when blood sugar is high.

• Metformin lowers glucose production in the liver, slows intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity.

This dual action provides better blood sugar control, reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications, and helps maintain weight stability with a low risk of hypoglycemia.

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Uses:

• Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus when diet, exercise, and single-drug therapy are not sufficient

• Helps prevent complications such as kidney damage, nerve damage, eye problems, heart disease, and stroke

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Mechanism of Action:

• Sitagliptin (50 mg): DPP-4 inhibitor → boosts incretin hormones → increases insulin secretion & decreases glucagon → lowers blood sugar

• Metformin (500 mg): Biguanide → decreases liver glucose production, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces intestinal glucose absorption

• Combined effect: Significant reduction in fasting and post-meal glucose levels

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Dosage & Administration:

• Usual dose: 1 tablet twice daily with meals (doctor decides exact regimen)

• Must be taken with food to minimize stomach upset from Metformin

• Swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew

• Dose adjustment may be required in patients with kidney impairment

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Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort (from Metformin)

• Headache, sore throat, mild infections (from Sitagliptin)

• Low blood sugar (when combined with insulin/sulfonylureas)

• Loss of appetite

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Serious Side Effects (rare):

• Lactic acidosis (Metformin) – fatigue, muscle pain, breathing difficulty, drowsiness

• Pancreatitis (Sitagliptin) – severe abdominal pain, vomiting

• Allergic reactions (skin rash, swelling, breathing issues)

• Liver dysfunction (rare cases)

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Warnings & Precautions:

• Not for Type 1 Diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

• Avoid in patients with severe kidney or liver disease

• Monitor blood sugar, HbA1c, kidney, and liver function regularly

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption (increases risk of lactic acidosis)

• Stay hydrated to minimize side effects