Description: Dapagliflozin is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It is available in tablet form and is used to treat a variety of conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.

Indication: Dapagliflozin is indicated for:

• Improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. It can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications.
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure.
• Reducing the risk of kidney disease worsening, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease.

Mechanism of Action: Dapagliflozin works by selectively and reversibly inhibiting the SGLT2 protein, which is primarily located in the kidneys’ proximal convoluted tubules. The SGLT2 protein is responsible for reabsorbing about 90% of the glucose that is filtered by the kidneys back into the bloodstream. By blocking this protein, dapagliflozin prevents glucose from being reabsorbed and causes it to be excreted in the urine. This action lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

In addition to its effects on glucose, dapagliflozin’s mechanism of action also involves reducing sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. This leads to a number of beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and kidneys, including a reduction in blood volume, blood pressure, and pressure within the kidneys, which helps to explain its effectiveness in treating heart failure and chronic kidney disease.