Canagliflozin
Canagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor used to manage type 2 diabetes in adults by blocking a protein in the kidneys called SGLT2, which normally reabsorbs glucose.
Canagliflozin is a type 2 diabetes medication that lowers blood sugar by helping the kidneys remove glucose through urine.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BK02
- RxNorm
- 1373458
- Generic
- Canagliflozin
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Invokana, Invokamet
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue use when pregnancy is confirmed unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid
switch to insulin or other approved diabetes medications
continuous fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
use insulin for glycemic control
fetal well-being assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
not recommendeddiscontinue
do not use during breastfeeding - switch to alternative therapy
monitor infant for hypoglycemia
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsstart with low dose 100mg once daily
use with caution due to increased risk of volume depletion and hypotension
monitor renal function, blood pressure, and hydration status regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18 yearsnot applicable
not approved for use in pediatric patients - safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severedo not use
contraindicated in patients with eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73m2
assess renal function before initiating and periodically during treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderatedose adjustment required
use 100mg daily in patients with eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73m2 - monitor renal function
regular monitoring of renal function every 3-6 months
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment necessary for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data available - use only if benefits outweigh risks
close clinical monitoring recommended
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor antidiabetic medication
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Canagliflozin (Invokana)
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use for glycemic control
Mechanism of action
Reduces renal glucose reabsorption
Canagliflozin is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, typically when diet and exercise alone are insufficient to control blood sugar levels. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other diabetes medications such as metformin, insulin, or other oral agents.
Canagliflozin inhibits SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2), a protein expressed in the proximal renal tubules that is responsible for the majority of filtered glucose reabsorption. By blocking this transporter, the medication reduces glucose reabsorption, causing glucosuria (glucose in urine) and subsequently lowering blood glucose levels.
Common side effects include increased urination, genital yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. Patients should be monitored for dehydration, kidney function changes, and ketoacidosis. Canagliflozin is not indicated for type 1 diabetes. Due to its mechanism, it also promotes weight loss and has mild blood pressure-lowering effects.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy