Teneligliptin 20 mg (TENELIGOLD 20): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

Introduction

Teneligliptin is a modern oral antidiabetic medication belonging to the Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class, commonly known as gliptins. This class is recognized for its efficacy and safety in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in adults. The medication is prescribed when lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, and other therapies like sulfonylureas or thiazolidinediones, have failed to sufficiently control blood sugar levels. When choosing a branded teneligliptin product, STERIS Healthcare Pvt Ltd TENELIGOLD 20 stands out for its quality, reliable sourcing, and commitment to patient safety. This article provides a detailed overview of teneligliptin 20 mg tablets, covering its chemical composition, mechanism of action, uses, dosage, clinical evidence, safety profile, precautions, drug interactions, regulatory status, availability, and patient advice.

Chemical Composition and Formulations

Each TENELIGOLD 20 tablet contains Teneligliptin Hydrobromide Hydrate equivalent to Teneligliptin 20 mg. The drug’s unique chemical structure features five consecutive rings, distinguishing it from other DPP-4 inhibitors and contributing to its potent, long-acting effect. Teneligliptin is a peptidomimetic DPP-4 inhibitor that interacts with a specific subsite of the DPP-4 enzyme, enhancing both its potency and selectivity. No other active or major excipients are typically listed, and the tablet is usually film-coated for ease of administration.

Mechanism of Action

Teneligliptin works by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme, which degrades incretin hormones such as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). By inhibiting DPP-4, teneligliptin increases the concentration of these hormones in the bloodstream, resulting in:

• Increased insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner

• Decreased glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells

• Suppressed hepatic glucose production (reducing the amount of glucose released by the liver)

These actions help lower both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, unless combined with insulin or insulin secretagogues.

Uses and Indications

Teneligliptin 20 mg is primarily indicated for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults. It is especially useful for patients who have not achieved adequate glycemic control with lifestyle changes alone or with other oral antidiabetics. Secondary indications include use in combination with other antidiabetic medications, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin, to enhance glycemic control in complex cases.

Dosage and Administration

• Standard dosage: 20 mg once daily, with or without food

• If needed, the dose may be increased to 40 mg once daily under medical supervision

• Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose; do not double the dose

• Special populations: No dosage adjustments are required for renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe hepatic impairment

• Administration: The tablet should be swallowed whole with water

Efficacy and Clinical Evidence

Clinical studies demonstrate that teneligliptin 20 mg is effective in lowering HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose in patients with T2DM, with significant improvements seen within 12 weeks of therapy. Head-to-head comparisons show that teneligliptin 20 mg is more effective than placebo and approaches the efficacy of other DPP-4 inhibitors like sitagliptin, though 40 mg teneligliptin may be more potent in some studies. The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% is significantly higher with teneligliptin than with placebo.

Teneligliptin is also noted for its favorable pharmacokinetics, with rapid absorption (peak plasma levels in about 1 hour), a long half-life (~19 hours), and sustained DPP-4 inhibition (>60% at 24 hours). Its metabolism involves CYP3A4 and flavin-containing monooxygenases, and it is excreted both renally and hepatically.

Side Effects and Safety Profile

Teneligliptin 20 mg tablets are generally well tolerated. The most common adverse effects include:

• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, constipation, upper respiratory tract infections)

• Headache, fatigue, nasopharyngitis

• Hypoglycemia (rare, usually when combined with insulin or secretagogues)

Serious but rare side effects include allergic skin reactions (rash, itching) and rare reports of intestinal obstruction with other DPP-4 inhibitors. Severe hepatic impairment requires caution, and the drug is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly needed and under medical supervision.

Contraindications and Precautions

Teneligliptin is contraindicated in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity to the drug or its components

• Type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic coma, history of coma

• Severe infections, surgery, or trauma (insulin is preferred for glycemic control in these situations)

Special precautions are advised for patients with heart disease, kidney disease, or severe liver impairment. Elderly patients should be monitored closely, and the drug should not be used in children.

Drug Interactions

Teneligliptin exhibits no clinically significant interactions with commonly used antidiabetic drugs like metformin, glimepiride, pioglitazone, or canagliflozin—dose adjustment is not required. Weak interactions may occur with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole), but these are unlikely to be clinically relevant. Caution is advised when teneligliptin is combined with insulin or insulin secretagogues due to increased risk of hypoglycemia.

Warnings and Regulatory Status

• Hypoglycemia risk increases when used with other antidiabetic agents

• Pancreatitis is a rare but serious risk with DPP-4 inhibitors; patients should be monitored for abdominal pain

• Liver and kidney monitoring is recommended in patients with pre-existing conditions

• Regulatory status: Teneligliptin is approved for use in several countries, including India, Japan, and the Philippines, for the management of T2DM

• Patient monitoring: Regular blood glucose and HbA1c monitoring, liver and kidney function tests, and clinical review are advised

Patient Advice and Tips

• Adhere to prescribed dose and timing for optimal glycemic control

• Combine with healthy diet and regular exercise for best results

• Monitor blood sugar as directed by your healthcare provider

• Report any unusual symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, rash, severe hypoglycemia) promptly

• Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of low blood sugar

• Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking

Cost and Availability

Teneligliptin 20 mg tablets are widely available in India and other countries where the drug is approved. The cost varies by brand and pharmacy, but generic options are cost-effective compared to some other DPP-4 inhibitors. TENELIGOLD 20 by STERIS Healthcare Pvt Ltd is a trusted choice, offering quality assurance and reliable supply chains. Availability may vary by region, so check with local pharmacies or healthcare providers for stock status and pricing.

Why Choose STERIS Healthcare Pvt Ltd for TENELIGOLD 20

• Quality Assurance: STERIS Healthcare is known for adherence to stringent manufacturing standards

• Reliable Sourcing: Ensures consistent supply and product integrity

• Patient-Centric Approach: Committed to patient education and support

• Cost-Effective: Offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality

• Regulatory Compliance: Products meet national and international regulatory requirements

FAQs

Q: What is teneligliptin 20 mg used for?
A: It is used to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults, especially when diet, exercise, and other medications have not provided adequate control.

Q: How does teneligliptin work?
A: It inhibits the DPP-4 enzyme, increasing insulin and decreasing glucagon secretion, which helps lower blood glucose levels.

Q: What are the side effects of teneligliptin?
A: Common side effects include headache, constipation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and nasopharyngitis. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions and intestinal obstruction.

Q: Can teneligliptin be taken with other diabetes medications?
A: Yes, it can be combined with other antidiabetic drugs, but the risk of hypoglycemia increases with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Q: Is teneligliptin safe for people with kidney or liver disease?
A: It can generally be used in patients with kidney disease without dose adjustment, but caution is needed in severe liver impairment; consult your doctor.

Q: Is teneligliptin suitable for children?
A: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established; it is for adult use only.

Q: How should I store teneligliptin tablets?
A: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and out of reach of children.

Conclusion

Teneligliptin 20 mg (TENELIGOLD 20) is a safe, effective, and convenient option for adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus who need additional glycemic control beyond lifestyle measures and other oral therapies. Its unique chemical structure, favorable pharmacokinetics, and manageable side effect profile make it a valuable addition to the diabetes treatment armamentarium. When choosing a brand, STERIS Healthcare Pvt Ltd offers assurance of quality, reliability, and patient support, making TENELIGOLD 20 a prudent choice for both patients and healthcare providers. Always consult your doctor before starting or changing any diabetes medication.