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DDP-4 inhibitors are oral medications used to manage type 2 diabetes by enhancing the activity of incretin hormones to lower elevated blood sugar. These drugs can also be alternative medications for clients who are overweight, have a risk of hypoglycemia, or have issues with medication cost or acces...

DDP-4 inhibitors are oral medications used to manage type 2 diabetes by enhancing the activity of incretin hormones to lower elevated blood sugar. These drugs can also be alternative medications for clients who are overweight, have a risk of hypoglycemia, or have issues with medication cost or access if they cannot take other first-line medication choices. Overview of the Drug Class **Prototype: sitagliptin (Januvia) ** - **Category**: Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors (DDP-4 Inhibitors; Oral Hypoglycemic Agent)  - **Primary Function**: DDP-4 inhibitors are oral medications used to manage type 2 diabetes by enhancing the activity of incretin hormones to lower elevated blood sugar. These drugs can also be alternative medications for clients who are overweight, have a risk of hypoglycemia, or have issues with medication cost or access if they cannot take other first-line medication choices.  - **Unique Features**: DDP-4 inhibitors can reduce HGBA1c levels without causing hypoglycemia when used alone. They can also be combined with other agents to lower blood sugar.  Mechanism of Action - DDP-4 inhibitors work by inhibiting the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme, which results in the prolonged activity of incretin hormones. Incretins help increase insulin release in response to meals and decrease hepatic glucose production without directly releasing insulin.  Indications and Therapeutic Uses - **Diabetes**: DDP-4 inhibitors are utilized to improve glycemic control in clients with type 2 diabetes. Side Effects and Adverse Reactions **Side Effect** **Description** ------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Upper Respiratory Infections The most common side effect of DDP-4 inhibitors. Pancreatitis Rarely, DDP-4 inhibitors have caused this, manifested by abdominal pain and vomiting. Hypersensitivity DDP-4 inhibitors can cause various reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Precautions and Contraindications **Precautions** - Use caution in clients with a history of pancreatitis or hypersensitivity.  **Contraindications** - DDP-4 inhibitors do not have any known contraindications.  Drug Interactions - DDP-4 inhibitors do not have any known drug interactions.  Dosing, Administration, & Client Teaching **Dosing** - Dosing varies based on the condition, severity, and client response.  - Check drug dosing guidelines for individualized dosing.  - Oral dosing once daily.  - Can be used alone or in combination with other hypoglycemic agents.  - Consider reducing dosage in clients with renal impairment due to renal excretion.  - These drugs can be alternative medications for clients who are overweight, have a risk of hypoglycemia, or have issues with medication cost or access if they cannot take other first-line medication choices.  **Administration** - PO administration **Client Teaching** - Clients should regularly monitor their blood glucose levels.  - Educate clients about adverse effects and how to report them.  Labs to Monitor **Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)** - Regular monitoring of renal function is recommended due to the drug\'s primary excretion via the kidneys - **Category: **Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors (DDP-4 Inhibitors; Oral Hypoglycemic Agent)  - **Primary Function: **DDP-4 inhibitors are oral medications used to manage type 2 diabetes by enhancing the activity of incretin hormones to lower elevated blood sugar. These drugs can also be alternative medications for clients who are overweight, have a risk of hypoglycemia, or have issues with medication cost or access if they cannot take other first-line medication choices.  - **Unique Features: **DDP-4 inhibitors can reduce HGBA1c levels without causing hypoglycemia when used alone. They can also be combined with other agents to lower blood sugar.