Linagliptin
Linagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor medication used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults by blocking the DPP-4 enzyme, which increases insulin secretion by preventing the breakdown of incretin hormones.
A once-daily oral DPP-4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes that enhances blood sugar control by boosting incretin hormone activity.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BH05
- RxNorm
- 1100699
- Generic
- Linagliptin
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Tradjenta, Jentadueto, Glyxambi, Trijardy
- 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
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, consider insulin therapy instead
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesterdiscontinue and switch to insulin
discontinue linagliptin during pregnancy, use insulin for glycemic control
regular fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
nursing mothersdiscontinue or pump and discard
linagliptin is not recommended during breastfeeding, either discontinue drug or pump and discard breast milk
monitor infant for any adverse effects
pediatric_age
under 18 yearsnot recommended
linagliptin is not indicated for use in pediatric patients under 18 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno dose adjustment required
use with caution in elderly patients, no dose adjustment needed but monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderate severeno dose adjustment required
linagliptin can be used in all degrees of renal impairment without dose adjustment, no dosage adjustment needed
periodic monitoring of renal function recommended
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno specific adjustment
use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, limited clinical experience
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Drug class information for Linagliptin
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Linagliptin
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Linagliptin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents, including metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin.
Linagliptin inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme that rapidly degrades the incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP. By preventing incretin breakdown, it prolongs their activity, leading to increased glucose-dependent insulin secretion and decreased glucagon release from pancreatic alpha cells, resulting in improved blood glucose control.
Linagliptin is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It has demonstrated cardiovascular safety in clinical trials. Common side effects may include nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache. As with other diabetes medications, blood glucose monitoring is important. Dose adjustment is not required for renal impairment.
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