Linatab 5mg Tablet

What is Linatab?

Linatab is a DPP-4 inhibitor (Linagliptin) manufactured by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd., used to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by enhancing the body's own insulin response after meals.

Generic Name and Composition

Each tablet contains 5 mg of Linagliptin.

Indications

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus, as monotherapy or combined with other antidiabetic agents (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin)
• Used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control

How It Works — Mechanism of Action

Linagliptin inhibits the DPP-4 enzyme, which normally breaks down incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP). By blocking this enzyme, Linatab increases active incretin levels, which stimulates glucose-dependent insulin release from the pancreas and suppresses glucagon secretion, lowering blood glucose without typically causing hypoglycemia on its own.

Dosage and Administration

• The usual adult dose is 5 mg once daily.
• Can be taken with or without food, at the same time each day.
• No dose adjustment is generally required for mild-to-severe renal or hepatic impairment, but a physician should confirm appropriateness.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose — do not double up.

Side Effects

Common: Nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms), headache, cough.

Uncommon: Hypoglycemia (mainly when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin), constipation.

Rare: Pancreatitis, severe allergic reactions (angioedema, urticaria, anaphylaxis), bullous pemphigoid (severe skin blistering).

Drug Interactions

Increased hypoglycemia risk: Sulfonylureas, insulin.

Reduced efficacy possible: Strong CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein inducers (e.g., rifampicin) may lower linagliptin levels.

Other considerations: Generally well-tolerated with minimal interaction profile compared to other oral antidiabetics; inform your doctor of all medicines you are taking.

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to linagliptin or any excipient
• History of serious hypersensitivity reaction to any DPP-4 inhibitor

Pregnancy and Lactation

Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been firmly established; insulin is generally preferred for glycemic control during pregnancy. Consult a physician before use if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Watch for symptoms of pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain) and discontinue promptly if suspected, seeking medical attention.
• Discontinue if signs of severe skin blistering (bullous pemphigoid) occur and consult a dermatologist or physician.
• Use with caution when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin due to increased hypoglycemia risk; dose reduction of the other agent may be needed.
• Monitor blood glucose regularly as advised by your physician.

Overdose

Linagliptin has a wide safety margin and overdose is unlikely to cause significant hypoglycemia on its own. In case of suspected overdose, seek medical attention; supportive treatment and monitoring are typically sufficient.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can Linatab cause low blood sugar on its own?
Linatab alone has a low risk of hypoglycemia since it works in a glucose-dependent manner; risk increases when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin.

Q2: Do I need to adjust the dose if I have kidney problems?
Linagliptin generally does not require dose adjustment for renal impairment, unlike many other DPP-4 inhibitors, but your physician should confirm based on your specific condition.

Q3: Can Linatab be combined with metformin?
Yes, Linatab is commonly prescribed alongside metformin when metformin alone does not achieve adequate glycemic control.

Q4: How does Linatab compare to Linatab M?
Linatab contains only linagliptin, while Linatab M is a fixed-dose combination of linagliptin and metformin, offering dual-action glucose control in a single tablet.

Medical Disclaimer

This product is available by prescription only (Rx) and should be used under medical supervision. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a registered physician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. DiabetesStore.com.bd is a licensed online pharmacy in Bangladesh.