Empa
Generic Name
Empagliflozin
Manufacturer
Various local manufacturers (Original: Boehringer Ingelheim)
Country
Bangladesh (Original: Germany/USA)
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| empa 25 mg tablet | ৳ 50.00 | ৳ 500.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Empagliflozin is an oral antidiabetic drug (SGLT2 inhibitor) primarily used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is also indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and progression of kidney disease in specific patient populations.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initially 10 mg orally once daily in the morning, with or without food. May be increased to 25 mg once daily based on glycemic response and tolerability.
Elderly
No dose adjustment is required based on age alone. However, renal function should be assessed before initiating and monitored regularly.
Renal_impairment
For glycemic control: Initiate 10 mg once daily if eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73m². Not recommended for glycemic control if eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m². For heart failure and CKD indications: Initiate 10 mg once daily if eGFR ≥20 mL/min/1.73m².
How to Take
Administer orally once daily in the morning, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Mechanism of Action
Empagliflozin selectively inhibits sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) in the renal proximal tubules, reducing glucose reabsorption from the glomerular filtrate and increasing urinary glucose excretion. This leads to reduced plasma glucose concentrations.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Glycemic effects typically observed within a few hours of administration.
Excretion
Approximately 50% of the dose is excreted via urine and 50% via feces (mostly as unchanged drug or metabolites).
Half life
The mean terminal elimination half-life is approximately 12.4 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) are reached approximately 1.5 hours post-dose. Absolute bioavailability is approximately 78%.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized, primarily by glucuronidation via UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes (UGT1A3, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, UGT2B7, UGT2B15, UGT2B17).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Known hypersensitivity to empagliflozin or any component of the formulation.
- •Patients with severe renal impairment, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or dialysis for glycemic control (specific eGFR cut-offs apply for HF/CKD indications).
Drug Interactions
Lithium
Empagliflozin may decrease serum lithium concentrations due to increased urinary lithium excretion.
Diuretics
May increase the risk of dehydration and hypotension.
Insulin and Insulin Secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas)
Increased risk of hypoglycemia; a lower dose of insulin or secretagogue may be required.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
In case of an overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Empagliflozin is unlikely to be removed by dialysis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to potential for adverse renal effects on the developing fetus. Use during lactation is not recommended due to potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Usually 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, specific expiry date is printed on the package.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Patented (original brand), generic versions available in some markets.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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