Sitagliptin

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

Sitagliptin is a diabetes medicine (DPP-4 inhibitor) found in 21 medicines sold in India, such as Januvia 100, Istavel 100, Januvia 50. 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). 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.

Brands of Sitagliptin (4)

Istavel 100Istavel 50Januvia 100Januvia 50

Combination medicines that contain Sitagliptin (17)

Alsita-M 50Emsita-M 50/500Glura M 500Increglip M 50/500Istamet 50/1000Istamet 50/500Janumet 50/1000Janumet 50/500Lupisit-M 500Siaglide M 50/500Sitacip M 50/500Sitapride M 50/500Sitara-M 50/500Sitared-M 50/500Sitaxa M 50/500Sitazit-M 50/500Stalix M 50/500

Common questions

What is Sitagliptin used for?

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

How does Sitagliptin work?

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 should I take Sitagliptin?

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

What are the side effects of Sitagliptin?

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 Sitagliptin interact with other medicines?

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

Is Sitagliptin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

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

Does Sitagliptin 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 Sitagliptin?

Alsita-M 50, Emsita-M 50/500, Glura M 500, Increglip M 50/500, Istamet 50/1000, Istamet 50/500, Istavel 100, Istavel 50, Janumet 50/1000, Janumet 50/500, Januvia 100, Januvia 50, Lupisit-M 500, Siaglide M 50/500, Sitacip M 50/500, Sitapride M 50/500, Sitara-M 50/500, Sitared-M 50/500, Sitaxa M 50/500, Sitazit-M 50/500, Stalix M 50/500.

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.