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How and when to take sitagliptin

Dosage and strength

Sitagliptin comes as 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.

The usual dose is 100mg a day.

Your doctor might prescribe a lower dose of 25mg or 50mg a day if you have problems with your kidneys.

How to take it

Take sitagliptin once a day. You can take it at any time, for example, in the morning or in the evening. But try to take it at the same time every day.

Take your tablet with a drink of water. Swallow the tablet whole, without breaking it.

You can take sitagliptin with or without food.

How long to take it for

Sitagliptin helps keep your blood sugar level as normal as possible to prevent health problems.

You'll probably have to take it for a long time, even for the rest of your life.

Over time it gets harder to control blood sugar levels, so your doctor might eventually recommend stopping sitagliptin and trying a different treatment.

Do not stop taking sitagliptin without speaking to your doctor.

If you forget to take it

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicines.

If you take too much

Talk to your doctor if you take more than your prescribed dose of sitagliptin and:

  • have stomach pains
  • are feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
  • feel dizzy
  • are worried

Page last reviewed: 11 February 2022
Next review due: 11 February 2025