About empagliflozin
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor
Used for
- Type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise
- Reduces cardiovascular death risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- Treats heart failure and chronic kidney disease in adults
Usual adult dose
Usually 10 mg once daily; may increase to 25 mg once daily for blood sugar control.
Usual dose in children
For type 2 diabetes from age 10: usually 10 mg once daily; may increase to 25 mg once daily.
Common side effects
- Genital yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Increased urination
- Dehydration or low blood pressure
Important warnings
- Rare diabetic ketoacidosis can occur, sometimes with near-normal blood sugar.
- Kidney function and hydration may need monitoring.
- Risk of low blood sugar increases with insulin or sulfonylureas.
- Pause before surgery or prolonged fasting, as directed by a clinician.
Pregnancy
Not recommended, especially during the second and third trimesters; it may harm fetal kidney development.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended because of potential effects on an infant’s developing kidneys.
Interactions
- Insulin and sulfonylureas may increase low blood sugar risk.
- Diuretics may increase dehydration or low blood pressure.
- Lithium levels may be reduced.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.