Alsita-M 50

Tablet · Alkem Labs
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

Alsita-M 50 is a tablet made by Alkem Labs that contains Sitagliptin 50 mg + Metformin 500 mg. It combines Sitagliptin: diabetes medicine (dpp-4 inhibitor) and Metformin: diabetes medicine (biguanide).

Ingredient (salt)Amount
Sitagliptin50 mg
Metformin500 mg

Sitagliptin

Diabetes medicine (DPP-4 inhibitor)

What it is used for

Helps the body release insulin after meals to lower blood sugar.

How it works

A DPP-4 inhibitor (gliptin). It boosts the gut hormones that tell the pancreas to release insulin after meals, and rarely causes low sugar on its own.

How to take it

Usually 100 mg once a day, with or without food; lower doses for kidney disease.

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Stuffy nose or sore throat
  • Joint pain

Get medical help straight away if

  • Severe stomach pain spreading to the back (pancreatitis)
  • Blistering skin (bullous pemphigoid)
  • Allergic swelling

Be careful

Report severe stomach pain (rarely pancreatitis).

Other medicines and interactions

Low blood sugar is more likely when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding; insulin is preferred.

Metformin

Diabetes medicine (biguanide)

What it is used for

Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, mainly by reducing sugar made by the liver.

How it works

The usual first medicine for type 2 diabetes. It lowers the amount of sugar the liver releases and helps the body respond to insulin. On its own it rarely causes low blood sugar and does not cause weight gain.

How to take it

Take with or just after meals to reduce stomach upset; start low (500 mg) and increase slowly. Slow-release tablets are gentler. Keep taking it unless your doctor says to stop.

Common side effects

  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Metallic taste
  • Reduced appetite

Get medical help straight away if

  • Severe vomiting, fast breathing, muscle pain and unusual drowsiness (rare lactic acidosis)
  • Tingling feet or tiredness after years of use (low vitamin B12)

Be careful

Take with food; can cause stomach upset. Stop before scans with contrast or surgery if told.

Other medicines and interactions

Doctors pause it before scans with iodine contrast and before major surgery, and during dehydrating illness (vomiting, diarrhoea). Heavy alcohol raises lactic acidosis risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Sometimes continued in pregnancy under specialist care; insulin is often used. Considered acceptable while breastfeeding.

Same composition, other brands (14)

Janumet 50/500Istamet 50/500Increglip M 50/500Sitapride M 50/500Sitara-M 50/500Sitared-M 50/500Sitacip M 50/500Glura M 500Lupisit-M 500Stalix M 50/500Sitaxa M 50/500Sitazit-M 50/500Emsita-M 50/500Siaglide M 50/500

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands.

Same ingredients, different strength or form

Janumet 50/1000Istamet 50/1000

Common questions

What is Alsita-M 50?

Alsita-M 50 is a tablet by Alkem Labs containing Sitagliptin 50 mg + Metformin 500 mg.

What is Alsita-M 50 used for?

Helps the body release insulin after meals to lower blood sugar. Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, mainly by reducing sugar made by the liver.

How should I take Alsita-M 50?

Usually 100 mg once a day, with or without food; lower doses for kidney disease. Take with or just after meals to reduce stomach upset; start low (500 mg) and increase slowly. Slow-release tablets are gentler. Keep taking it unless your doctor says to stop. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.

What are the side effects of Alsita-M 50?

Common side effects include: Headache, stuffy nose or sore throat, joint pain, Diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, metallic taste, reduced appetite. Get medical help straight away for: Severe stomach pain spreading to the back (pancreatitis), blistering skin (bullous pemphigoid), allergic swelling, Severe vomiting, fast breathing, muscle pain and unusual drowsiness (rare lactic acidosis), tingling feet or tiredness after years of use (low vitamin B12).

Does Alsita-M 50 need a prescription?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Can I take Alsita-M 50 in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding; insulin is preferred. Sometimes continued in pregnancy under specialist care; insulin is often used. Considered acceptable while breastfeeding.

What are the substitutes for Alsita-M 50?

Brands with the same composition: Janumet 50/500, Istamet 50/500, Increglip M 50/500, Sitapride M 50/500, Sitara-M 50/500, Sitared-M 50/500, Sitacip M 50/500, Glura M 500, Lupisit-M 500, Stalix M 50/500, Sitaxa M 50/500, Sitazit-M 50/500. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.