Paper II
2021 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)

Question

Vildagliptin

Q73 marksShort Notes

Answer

Vildagliptin is a DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitor, an oral antidiabetic drug.

Mechanism of action

  • Inhibits DPP-4, the enzyme that degrades incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP)
  • Increases levels of active incretins, which enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppress glucagon secretion

Uses

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (monotherapy or combination therapy)

Adverse effects

  • Generally well tolerated: nasopharyngitis, headache
  • Low risk of hypoglycaemia (glucose-dependent action)
  • Rare: pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity (requires monitoring)
  • Weight-neutral (advantage over sulfonylureas/insulin)

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