Glitamet 50/500mg Tablets contain two oral antidiabetic medicines: sitagliptin 50mg and metformin hydrochloride 500mg per tablet. This combination provides two complementary mechanisms for improving blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glitamet is used together with appropriate diet and exercise.
What is Glitamet used for?
Glitamet is used to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet and exercise alone are not sufficient.
How does Glitamet work?
Glitamet combines two medicines with different but complementary mechanisms.
Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor. DPP-4 is an enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones, including GLP-1 and GIP. By inhibiting DPP-4, sitagliptin increases the activity of these hormones. This helps increase insulin release when blood glucose is elevated and reduces glucagon secretion, helping the body regulate blood glucose.
Metformin belongs to the biguanide class. It primarily reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin. It does not usually cause hypoglycaemia when used alone.
Together, these medicines help control blood glucose through complementary mechanisms.
PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS
Tell your doctor if you have:
- Kidney disease or reduced kidney function
- Liver disease
- A history of pancreatitis
- Heart failure or serious heart problems
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Severe vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration
- Upcoming surgery or an imaging procedure using iodinated contrast
Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms suggestive of lactic acidosis, severe hypoglycaemia or pancreatitis.
Common side effects
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Upper respiratory symptoms
Gastrointestinal effects are particularly common when starting metformin and may improve as the body adjusts to treatment.
