Linagliptin

Diabetes medicine (DPP-4 inhibitor)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Linagliptin is a diabetes medicine (DPP-4 inhibitor) found in 3 medicines sold in India, such as Trajenta 5, Trajenta Duo 2.5/500, Trajenta Duo 2.5/1000. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

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

How it works

A DPP-4 inhibitor (gliptin) that does not need a dose change in kidney disease.

How to take it

Usually 5 mg once a day, with or without food.

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.

Brands of Linagliptin (1)

Trajenta 5

Combination medicines that contain Linagliptin (2)

Trajenta Duo 2.5/1000Trajenta Duo 2.5/500

Common questions

What is Linagliptin used for?

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

How does Linagliptin work?

A DPP-4 inhibitor (gliptin) that does not need a dose change in kidney disease.

How should I take Linagliptin?

Usually 5 mg once a day, with or without food.

What are the side effects of Linagliptin?

Common: Headache, stuffy nose or sore throat, joint pain. Get help straight away for: Severe stomach pain spreading to the back (pancreatitis), blistering skin (bullous pemphigoid), allergic swelling.

Does Linagliptin interact with other medicines?

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

Is Linagliptin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

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

Does Linagliptin need a prescription in India?

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

Which brands contain Linagliptin?

Trajenta 5, Trajenta Duo 2.5/1000, Trajenta Duo 2.5/500.

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.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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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.