DPP-4 inhibitor
Sitagliptin with antibiotics: interactions and safety
Antibiotic courses are common, short-term and often combined with chronic medications such as Sitagliptin (Sitagliptin). Most antibiotics do not interfere meaningfully with Sitagliptin at 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, but a few classes do, and a small number of combinations are best avoided.
Common antibiotic interactions
Macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin) and certain antifungals can inhibit hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4) and raise plasma levels of many medications including some DPP-4 inhibitor agents. Rifampicin has the opposite effect, accelerating metabolism. Most penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines have no clinically meaningful interaction with Sitagliptin at 25mg, 50mg, 100mg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Sitagliptin, an antibiotic course should be reviewed by the prescriber or pharmacist for known interactions before Sitagliptin is co-administered. Adjusted 25mg, 50mg, 100mg dosing or temporary substitution is sometimes preferred for the duration of the antibiotic course.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Sitagliptin during an antibiotic course? ▾
For most common antibiotics, yes. A few classes — notably macrolides and azole antifungals — alter how Sitagliptin is metabolised and may need a temporary 25mg, 50mg, 100mg adjustment. The prescribing pharmacist should review any new antibiotic against the existing Sitagliptin regimen.
Will antibiotics make Sitagliptin stop working? ▾
Most antibiotics do not affect Sitagliptin efficacy. Rifampicin and a few others can lower Sitagliptin levels and reduce effect; in those cases the prescriber may adjust the dose during and shortly after the antibiotic course.
Products containing Sitagliptin
More on Sitagliptin
- With alcoholSitagliptin and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Sitagliptin be taken with food?
- Side effectsSitagliptin side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- Dosage guideSitagliptin dosage guide: how much to take and when
- OnsetHow fast does Sitagliptin start working?
- DurationHow long does Sitagliptin last?
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