Sitanorm M 50/500

SITANORM M 50/500 by MICRO LABS LIMITED

SITANORM M 50/500 is a combination medication used in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It helps regulate blood sugar levels in adults when diet and exercise alone are insufficient.

Composition

SITANORM M 50/500 contains two active ingredients:

• Sitagliptin Phosphate: 50 mg/tablet
• Metformin: 500 mg/tablet

Uses

SITANORM M 50/500 is prescribed for the following:

• Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults.
• Improvement of overall glycemic control by enhancing insulin sensitivity and decreasing hepatic glucose production.
• Reduction of high blood sugar levels after meals.
• Prevention of serious complications associated with diabetes, such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and diabetic foot ulcer.

Dosage and Administration

SITANORM M 50/500 should be taken as prescribed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed or chewed. Consistent daily intake at the same time is recommended for optimal results.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used with other antidiabetic medications, characterized by dizziness, sweating, hunger pangs, and dry mouth.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and changes in taste.
• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Gas and bloating
• Drowsiness, dizziness
• Metallic taste

Serious Side Effects (consult your doctor immediately if experienced):

• Serious allergic reactions (hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat causing difficulty breathing or swallowing).
• Severe blistering of the skin (bullous pemphigoid).
• Signs of pancreatitis (severe and persistent pain in the stomach areas that might reach through to your back with or without nausea and vomiting).
• Signs of lactic acidosis (cold hands or feet, dizziness, lightheadedness, slow or irregular heartbeat, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pains, nausea or vomiting).

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Kidney/Liver Disease: Contraindicated in severe kidney impairment and severe liver problems. Use with caution in patients with liver problems or elevated liver enzymes.
• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to metformin, sitagliptin, or any other components.
• Heart Conditions: Not recommended for patients with heart disease or congestive heart failure.
• Children: Not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of metformin can lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Regular monitoring and supplementation may be recommended.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including herbal tonics and supplements. Interactions can occur with cationic drugs (e.g., amiloride, digoxin, morphine), diuretics (e.g., furosemide), insulin, and insulin secretagogues.

Storage

Store SITANORM M 50/500 at room temperature (20-25°C or below 30°C). Protect from moisture and light. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

SITANORM M 50/500, manufactured by MICRO LABS LIMITED, is a medication commonly prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It combines two active ingredients to help control blood sugar levels effectively.

Here are some frequently asked questions about SITANORM M 50/500:

What is SITANORM M 50/500 used for?

SITANORM M 50/500 is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It helps manage blood sugar levels when used in conjunction with a proper diet, regular exercise, and weight control. This medication also plays a role in preventing serious complications of diabetes, such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

How does SITANORM M 50/500 work?

SITANORM M 50/500 contains two active ingredients: Sitagliptin (50 mg) and Metformin (500 mg). Sitagliptin works by inhibiting an enzyme called DPP-4, which increases the levels of natural hormones (incretins) that stimulate insulin release after meals and reduce glucagon secretion, thereby lowering blood sugar. Metformin works by decreasing glucose production in the liver, reducing glucose absorption from the gut, and enhancing the body's sensitivity to insulin. The combined action of these two components provides better control over blood sugar levels.

What is the usual dosage for SITANORM M 50/500?

SITANORM M 50/500 is typically taken once or twice daily with meals to help reduce gastrointestinal side effects. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, chewed, or split. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and duration of therapy based on your condition, blood sugar levels, and how you respond to the medicine. For best results, it is important to take the medicine regularly at the same time each day.

What are the possible side effects of SITANORM M 50/500?

Common side effects can include diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, upper respiratory tract infection, gas and bloating, indigestion, stomach pain, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is also a possible side effect, especially if taken with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, palpitations, and hunger pangs. A rare but serious side effect associated with metformin is lactic acidosis, which can manifest as muscle pain, weakness, dizziness, cold hands or feet, difficulty breathing, or severe stomach pain. Long-term use may also lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Is SITANORM M 50/500 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During Pregnancy: Caution is advised when taking SITANORM M 50/500 during pregnancy. It is crucial to consult your doctor, as uncontrolled blood sugar levels can harm the fetus. During Breastfeeding: The safety of SITANORM M 50/500 during breastfeeding is not fully established. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor, and the medicine should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Can SITANORM M 50/500 be taken with other medications?

SITANORM M 50/500 can interact with several other medications. For example, taking it with insulin or certain insulin-secreting drugs (sulfonylureas) can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and some cationic medicines (like amiloride or quinidine) may increase the risk of lactic acidosis or lead to metformin accumulation. Diuretics, corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers, NSAIDs, iodine contrast medium, and bronchodilators may also interact with SITANORM M 50/500. Always inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using SITANORM M 50/500?

It is important to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medicine, as alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Patients with severe kidney or liver impairment should avoid this medication, and those with existing kidney or liver conditions should use it with caution and undergo regular monitoring. Inform your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis, heart problems, or a vitamin B12 deficiency. If you experience dizziness or feel unwell, especially due to low blood sugar, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. This medicine is not recommended for children under 18 years of age. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for optimal blood sugar control while on this medication.

What happens if a dose of SITANORM M 50/500 is missed?

If you miss a dose of SITANORM M 50/500, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should SITANORM M 50/500 be stored?

SITANORM M 50/500 should be stored in its original packaging, protected from light and moisture. Keep it at room temperature, ideally below 30°C (or between 20-25°C). Ensure the medicine is kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets.