Description: Dapagliflozin is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It is used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It is also used to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Indication: Dapagliflozin is primarily indicated for:

• Improving glycemic control as an adjunct to diet and exercise in adults and pediatric patients (10 years and older) with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure.
• Reducing the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease.

Mechanism of Action: Dapagliflozin works by inhibiting the SGLT2 protein, which is primarily found in the kidneys. This protein is responsible for reabsorbing most of the glucose that has been filtered from the blood back into the body. By blocking SGLT2, dapagliflozin prevents this reabsorption, causing more glucose to be excreted in the urine. This process lowers blood sugar levels. Additionally, it can reduce sodium reabsorption and increase the delivery of sodium to the distal tubule, which is thought to influence cardiovascular and renal effects.