Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 6.25mg
- 12.5mg
- 25mg
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
25 mg PO qDay
Dosage Modifications
Renal impairment
- Mild (CrCl ≥60mL/min): No dosage adjustment required
- Moderate (CrCl ≥30 to <60 mL/min): Decrease dose to 12.5 mg PO qDay
- Severe (CrCl ≥15 to <30 mL/min) or ESRD (CrCl <15 mL/min) or requiring hemodialysis: 6.25 mg PO qDay
- May administer without regard to the timing of dialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis: Not studied
Hepatic impairment
- Mild-to-moderate (Child-Pugh A and B): No dosage adjustment required
- Severe (Child-Pugh C): Not studied
Dosing Considerations
Limitations of use: Not indicated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these settings
Assess renal function before initiating alogliptin and periodically thereafter
Safety and efficacy not established
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (0)
Monitor Closely (26)
- benazepril
alogliptin increases toxicity of benazepril by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. May increase risk of angioedema.
- captopril
alogliptin increases toxicity of captopril by Mechanism: unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Increased risk of advers/toxic effects, specifically increased risk of angioedema.
- chlorpropamide
alogliptin, chlorpropamide. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of alogliptin with insulin and/or insulin secretagogues (eg, sulfonylureas, meglitinide derivatives) may increase risk for hypoglycemia; may require lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue .
- dulaglutide
dulaglutide, alogliptin. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- glimepiride
alogliptin, glimepiride. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of alogliptin with insulin and/or insulin secretagogues (eg, sulfonylureas, meglitinide derivatives) may increase risk for hypoglycemia; may require lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue .
- glipizide
alogliptin, glipizide. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of alogliptin with insulin and/or insulin secretagogues (eg, sulfonylureas, meglitinide derivatives) may increase risk for hypoglycemia; may require lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue .
- glyburide
alogliptin, glyburide. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of alogliptin with insulin and/or insulin secretagogues (eg, sulfonylureas, meglitinide derivatives) may increase risk for hypoglycemia; may require lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue .
- insulin aspart
alogliptin, insulin aspart. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin aspart protamine/insulin aspart
alogliptin, insulin aspart protamine/insulin aspart. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin degludec
alogliptin, insulin degludec. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin degludec/insulin aspart
alogliptin, insulin degludec/insulin aspart. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin detemir
alogliptin, insulin detemir. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin glargine
alogliptin, insulin glargine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin glulisine
alogliptin, insulin glulisine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin inhaled
alogliptin, insulin inhaled. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin isophane human/insulin regular human
alogliptin, insulin isophane human/insulin regular human. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin lispro
alogliptin, insulin lispro. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin lispro protamine/insulin lispro
alogliptin, insulin lispro protamine/insulin lispro. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin NPH
alogliptin, insulin NPH. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- insulin regular human
alogliptin, insulin regular human. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Antidiabetic agents are often used in combination; dosage adjustments may be required when initiating or discontinuing antidiabetic agents.
- lonapegsomatropin
lonapegsomatropin decreases effects of alogliptin by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Closely monitor blood glucose when treated with antidiabetic agents. Lonapegsomatropin may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. Patients with diabetes mellitus may require adjustment of their doses of insulin and/or other antihyperglycemic agents.
- nateglinide
alogliptin, nateglinide. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of alogliptin with insulin and/or insulin secretagogues (eg, sulfonylureas, meglitinide derivatives) may increase risk for hypoglycemia; may require lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue .
- repaglinide
alogliptin, repaglinide. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of alogliptin with insulin and/or insulin secretagogues (eg, sulfonylureas, meglitinide derivatives) may increase risk for hypoglycemia; may require lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue .
- somapacitan
somapacitan decreases effects of alogliptin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Growth hormone products may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. Antidiabetic agents may require dose adjustment after initiating somapacitan. .
- tolazamide
alogliptin, tolazamide. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of alogliptin with insulin and/or insulin secretagogues (eg, sulfonylureas, meglitinide derivatives) may increase risk for hypoglycemia; may require lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue .
- tolbutamide
alogliptin, tolbutamide. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of alogliptin with insulin and/or insulin secretagogues (eg, sulfonylureas, meglitinide derivatives) may increase risk for hypoglycemia; may require lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue .
Minor (0)
Adverse Effects
>10%
Hypoglycemia (1.5-35%); higher when added to insulin
1-10%
Nasopharyngitis (4.4%)
Headache (4.2%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (4.2%)
<1%
Hypersensitivity (0.6%)
Pancreatitis (0.2%)
Postmarketing reports
Severe and disabling arthralgia
Anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, urticaria
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Hepatic enzyme elevations
Fulminant hepatic failure
Bullous pemphigoid
Rhabdomyolysis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Nausea
Ileus
Tubulointerstitial nephritis
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to alogliptin, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, or severe cutaneous adverse reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Cautions
Pancreatitis reported; if pancreatitis suspected, discontinue therapy and initiate appropriate management
Caution with sensitivity to another DPP-4 inhibitor; discontinue if serious hypersensitivity reaction suspected (see Contraindications)
Postmarketing cases of bullous pemphigoid requiring hospitalization reported with DPP-4 inhibitor use; patients typically recovered with topical or systemic immunosuppressive treatment and discontinuation of DPP-4 inhibitor; tell patients to report development of blisters or erosions while receiving therapy; if bullous pemphigoid suspected, therapy should be discontinued and referral to a dermatologist considered for diagnosis and appropriate treatment
Fatal and nonfatal hepatic failure reported; type 2 DM is also known to cause fatty liver disease and liver enzyme elevation; monitor carefully and interrupt alogliptin treatment if LFTs elevated, do not restart alogliptin without another explanation for the liver test abnormalities; do not restart therapy if liver injury is confirmed and no alternative etiology can be found
Insulin and insulin secretagogues (eg, sulfonylureas) are known to cause hypoglycemia; therefore, a lower dose of insulin of insulin secretagogue may be needed to minimize hypoglycemia risk
There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with alogliptin or any other antidiabetic drug
DPP-4 inhibitors may cause disabling joint arthralgia; resolves within a month upon discontinuing the drug
Congestive heart failure (CHF) risk
- The EXAMINE (Examination of Cardiovascular Outcomes with Alogliptin versus Standard of Care) trial enrolled 5,380 patients with type 2 diabetes and recent acute coronary syndrome
- Hospitalization for CHF was observed in 106 (3.9%) patients treated with alogliptin and 89 (3.3%) patients treated with placebo; although the difference was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 1.19), heart failure was not an end point of the study
- Health care professionals should consider discontinuing medications containing alogliptin in patients who develop heart failure and monitor their diabetes control
- If heart failure develops, evaluate and manage according to current standards of care and consider discontinuation
- Lancet. 2015 May 23;385(9982):2067-76
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: B
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor; slows inactivation of incretin hormones (eg, GLP-1, GIP), thereby reducing fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in a glucose-dependent manner
Absorption
Bioavailability: ~100%
Peak plasma time: 1-2 hr
Distribution
Protein bound: 20%
Vd: 417 L
Metabolism
Does not undergo extensive metabolism and 60-71% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine
Active metabolite: N-demethylated (<1% of parent compound)
Inactive metabolite: N-acetylated alogliptin (<6% of parent compound)
Minor substrate of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6
Elimination
Half-life: 21 hr
Renal clearance: 9.6 L/hr
Total body clearance: 14 L/hr
Excretion: 76% urine; 13% feces
Administration
Instructions
May take with or without food
Images
BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
---|---|---|---|
alogliptin oral - | 12.5 mg tablet | ![]() | |
alogliptin oral - | 25 mg tablet | ![]() | |
alogliptin oral - | 6.25 mg tablet | ![]() | |
Nesina oral - | 6.25 mg tablet | ![]() | |
Nesina oral - | 25 mg tablet | ![]() | |
Nesina oral - | 12.5 mg tablet | ![]() |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
alogliptin oral
ALOGLIPTIN - ORAL
(AL-oh-GLIP-tin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nesina
USES: Alogliptin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.Alogliptin works by increasing levels of natural substances called incretins. Incretins help to control blood sugar by increasing insulin release, especially after a meal. They also decrease the amount of sugar your liver makes.
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using alogliptin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with or without food.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Carefully follow your diabetes management plan, including medications, diet, and exercise.Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Keep track of the results, and share them with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your blood sugar measurements are often too high or too low. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
SIDE EFFECTS: Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: joint pain, unusual skin blisters, signs of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain).Although alogliptin by itself usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about all your diabetes medication(s).Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about the reaction right away. Low blood sugar is more likely if you drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise, or do not consume enough calories from food. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what to do if you miss a meal.Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication(s).Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: signs of pancreatitis (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, severe stomach/abdominal/back pain), dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking alogliptin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, heart failure, liver problems, disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), stones in your gallbladder (gallstones).You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar.It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may change your diabetes treatment during your pregnancy (such as diet, exercise, and medications including insulin).It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are unaffected by these drugs.Many drugs can affect your blood sugar, making it harder to control. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about how to manage your diabetes with medications, diet, exercise, and regular medical exams.Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed.Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c) should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised December 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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