Dapagliflozin

What it is

Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor that stops the kidney from reabsorbing filtered glucose, so excess sugar is passed in the urine, taking sodium and water with it. That mild diuretic effect is part of why the class helps the failing heart as well as blood sugar. It is used in type 2 diabetes and in heart failure.

A usual adult range, not a national label — the dose and the timing differ by country and by product.

Used for

• Diabetes
• Heart failure

Approved uses differ by country — some of these may be off-label or unapproved where you live.

What to know while taking it

The tablet is taken in the morning, with or without food, so that the extra urine output falls in the daytime. Fluid intake has to keep pace, and the effect adds to furosemide, so dizziness on standing is more likely when both are used. Glucose in the urine raises the risk of genital fungal infection, which is why hygiene is stressed, and HbA1c, glucose, creatinine and eGFR are followed because kidney function shapes both the benefit and the safety of the drug.

When to see a doctor

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or shortness of breath with a fruity breath smell may signal ketoacidosis, which can occur at near-normal blood sugar and calls for urgent care. Fever with genital pain or swelling, fainting, or greatly reduced urine output are also reasons to see a doctor.

Worth knowing

• Drink enough water
• Raises genital infection risk
• Rare ketoacidosis risk

Markers to watch

• HbA1c
• Glucose
• Creatinine
• eGFR