Empagliflozin
INFORMATION ABOUT EMPAGLIFLOZIN
Empagliflozin Uses
Empagliflozin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, Heart Failure and chronic kidney disease.
How Empagliflozin works
Empagliflozin works by selectively blocking a protein in the kidneys called the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2). This protein is responsible for reabsorbing glucose from the urine back into the bloodstream. Empagliflozin inhibits this protein, causing the excess glucose to be eliminated through the urine, which helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, this process leads to mild salt and water loss, helping to reduce the workload on the heart and protect kidney function, thereby lowering the risk of heart failure and progression of chronic kidney disease.
Common side effects of Empagliflozin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Nausea, Increased thirst, Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), Urinary tract infection, Vomiting, Constipation, Polyuria, Genital fungal infection
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Last updated
25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Empagliflozin
Expert advice for Empagliflozin
- It may cause your body to lose too much fluid (dehydration) or you may urinate more often. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- It may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
- Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor and anxiety.
- It can cause genital fungal and/or urinary tract infections (UTIs) in both females and males, so practice good hygiene.
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly while taking this medicine.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you experience constant dizziness, joint pain, cold-like symptoms or unexplained nausea/vomiting.
Frequently asked questions for Empagliflozin
Take the recommended dose advised by the doctor. Empagliflozin may be taken with or without food. It should be swallowed whole with water, preferably at the same time each day. For best results, it is important to stay on a diet and exercise program as directed by your doctor.
No, do not stop taking Empagliflozin without consulting your doctor. This can lead to a sudden increase in your blood glucose levels. Use the medicine strictly as per the dose and duration advised by the doctor. Never stop taking any medicine without consulting your doctor.
Yes, Empagliflozin can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines. However, along with medicines, proper diet and exercise should be followed.
Empagliflozin on its own does not cause very low blood sugar. However, if Empagliflozin is taken along with other diabetes medicines such as insulin, sulfonylurea or meglitinides, then you may experience hypoglycemia.
Empagliflozin may cause excessive fluid loss or frequent urination, resulting in dehydration. Since furosemide also causes fluid loss, taking it with Empagliflozin may cause fainting or loss of consciousness, unusual thirst, and lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing. Inform your doctor about furosemide before starting Empagliflozin.
If you forget to take Empagliflozin and the next dose is due after 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember and take the next dose at the schedule time. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose of Empagliflozin to make up for a forgotten dose.