DAPAPRIDE (DAPAGLIFLOZIN) 5MG TABLETS 30'S

What Is Dapapride and What Is It Used For?

Dapapride contains dapagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor that lowers blood glucose by blocking glucose reabsorption in the kidney, causing excess sugar to be excreted in the urine.

Dapapride Tablets are used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and in appropriate patients may also offer cardiovascular and renal protective benefits as part of a broader diabetes management plan.

4. How to Take This Medicine

Adult Dose

One tablet once daily, at the same time each day, with or without food. Your doctor may start at 5mg — for example, if you have liver impairment — and adjust as needed, potentially up to 10mg.

Sick-Day Rules

Temporarily hold the medicine during acute illness, vomiting, reduced oral intake, surgery, or very low-carbohydrate diets, and resume only on medical advice.

5. Side Effects

Common Side Effects

•     Genital yeast infections

•     Urinary tract infections

•     Increased urination

•     Thirst

Uncommon Side Effects

•     Dehydration

•     Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially on standing

Serious Side Effects — Seek Immediate Medical Attention

•     Diabetic ketoacidosis - can occur even with normal-range blood glucose

•     Acute kidney injury

•     Necrotising fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene) - seek emergency care for severe genital/perineal pain, swelling, or fever

6. Contraindications

7. Safety Warnings and Special Precautions

•     Hydration: Maintain good hydration — risk of dehydration and volume depletion, particularly in the elderly or those on diuretics.

•     Euglycaemic Ketoacidosis: Sick-day rules apply: temporarily hold the medicine during acute illness, vomiting, reduced oral intake, surgery, or very low-carbohydrate diets, due to ketoacidosis risk — even with normal blood glucose readings.

•     Genital Hygiene: Practise good genital hygiene to reduce yeast infection risk.

8. Drug Interactions

•     Insulin/sulfonylureas: Increased hypoglycaemia risk when combined — dose adjustment of those agents may be needed.

•     Diuretics/antihypertensives: Additive dehydration and hypotension risk.

•     Urine glucose tests: Will be positive while on this medicine — not useful for monitoring control while taking dapagliflozin.

9. Storage Instructions

•     Store below 25–30°C, in a dry place, in the original container.

•     Keep away from children.

10. Prescription Status in Kenya

Dapapride is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) under Pharmacy and Poisons Board regulation, dispensed for confirmed type 2 diabetes management.

11. Patient Guidance

12. Pharmacist / Prescriber Notes

Reinforce sick-day dosing rules explicitly at dispensing, given the risk of euglycaemic ketoacidosis.

Check renal function status before dispensing or renewing where possible.

Counsel on genital hygiene to reduce mycotic infection risk, and flag concurrent diuretic, insulin, or sulfonylurea use for dose-adjustment discussion with the prescriber.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why do I need to drink more water on this medicine?

A: It increases urination and glucose excretion, raising dehydration risk if fluid intake isn't adequate.

Q2: Should I stop it if I'm unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea?

A: Yes, temporarily hold it during acute illness and consult your doctor — this reduces ketoacidosis risk.

Q3: Why am I getting yeast infections?

A: The glucose excreted in urine can promote genital yeast overgrowth — good hygiene helps reduce this.

Q4: Can it be used in type 1 diabetes?

A: No, it is not indicated for type 1 diabetes.

Q5: Will it cause low blood sugar on its own?

A: Rarely alone, but the risk increases when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.