Dapagliflozin

In addition to diabetes management, Dapagliflozin is also used to reduce the risk of hospitalisation for heart failure and to support treatment in certain patients with chronic kidney disease.

It is a glucose-lowering drug that works through the kidneys rather than through insulin pathways.

The Dapagliflozin class is a sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, commonly referred to as “gliflozins”. These medicines reduce blood glucose levels by promoting urinary glucose excretion.

SGLT2 inhibitors act independently of insulin, making them useful in combination with other antidiabetic therapies.

Pharmacologically, Dapagliflozin is classified as:

• Antidiabetic agent
• Sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor
• An oral hypoglycaemic drug used in metabolic and cardiovascular risk management.

The mechanism of action of Dapagliflozin involves,

1. Selective inhibition of the SGLT2 transporter located in the proximal renal tubules of the kidney.
2. This transporter normally reabsorbs approximately 90% of glucose.
3. By blocking SGLT2, Dapagliflozin reduces renal glucose reabsorption and increases glucose excretion in urine.
4. This lowers glucose levels independently of insulin action.

The Dapagliflozin structure is a C-aryl glucoside derivative that selectively binds to the SGLT2 transporter.

Its molecular structure provides high selectivity for SGLT2 over related transporters, such as SGLT1, helping minimise effects on intestinal glucose absorption.

Clinical uses of Dapagliflozin include:

• Improving glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes
• Reducing the risk of hospitalisation due to heart failure
• Treatment support for certain patients with chronic kidney disease