Saxagliptin
Saxagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor used to treat type 2 diabetes by increasing incretin hormones, which stimulate insulin release and reduce glucagon production.
Saxagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin release and reducing glucagon.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BH03
- RxNorm
- 857974
- Generic
- Saxagliptin
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Kombiglyze, Qtern, Onglyza
- 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
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
continue only if benefits outweigh risks
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue before delivery if possible
fetal monitoring and assessment of gestational diabetes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
saxagliptin is excreted in rat milk; human data limited; use only if benefits outweigh risks
monitor infant for hypoglycemia
pediatric_age
under 18 yearsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno dosage adjustment required for mild renal impairment
use with caution due to potential age-related decline in renal function; monitor renal function regularly
regular renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment required
no dosage adjustment needed for mild renal impairment (CrCl 50-80 mL/min)
periodic renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
moderatedose reduction recommended
reduce dose to 2.5 mg once daily for moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30-50 mL/min)
regular monitoring of renal function and blood glucose
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severenot recommended
use not recommended for severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 30 mL/min)
close monitoring if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment required
no dosage adjustment needed for mild hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution
limited data in moderate to severe hepatic impairment; use with caution
monitor liver function and glycemic control
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
alcohol consumptionuse with caution
limit alcohol consumption as it may affect blood glucose control and increase risk of hypoglycemia
monitor blood glucose levels more frequently
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antidiabetic medication class
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
FDA approval year
Regulatory approval timeline
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Saxagliptin is indicated for improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents such as metformin, thiazolidinediones, or insulin.
Saxagliptin inhibits the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which breaks down incretin hormones. By preventing incretin degradation, it increases insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner and decreases glucagon release, leading to improved blood glucose control.
Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and headache. Saxagliptin may increase risk of heart failure, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease. It is not recommended for use in type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Regular monitoring of blood glucose and renal function is recommended during treatment.
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