Linagliptin 5 mg helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by boosting insulin release and reducing sugar production. While it’s generally safe, side effects like dizziness, nausea, headaches, and joint pain can occur. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions may happen. Overdosing can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness, needing urgent medical care. Though it doesn’t interact with food, alcohol should be avoided as it can affect blood sugar levels. Store it in a cool, dry place away from children. 

Linagliptin 5 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors medicines. It is used to control blood sugar in type-2 diabetes. 

More Common

1. Anxiety 
2. Blurred vision 
3. Chills 
4. Cold sweats 
5. Confusion 
6. Cool, pale skin 
7. Depression 
8. Dizziness 
9. Fast heartbeat 
10. Headache 
11. Increased hunger 
12. Loss of consciousness 
13. Nausea 
14. Nightmares 
15. Seizures 
16. Shakiness 
17. Slurred speech 
18. Unusual tiredness or weakness 

Less Common

1. Bloating 
2. Constipation 
3. Cough 
4. Fever 
5. Hives, welts, itching, or skin rash 
6. Large, hard skin blisters 
7. Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs 
8. Loss of appetite 
9. Pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back 
10. Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue 
11. Redness of the skin 
12. Severe joint pain 

Linagliptin controls blood sugar by preventing the breakdown of two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones increase insulin release and reduce sugar production, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable in people with Type 2 diabetes. 

1- Allergy/Hypersensitivity

If you have trouble breathing, body swelling, or a drop in blood pressure after taking this medication, you may be allergic to it. If you have a known allergy to this medicine, inform your doctor.

2- Joint Pain

If you already have joint pain, inform your doctor, as this medication may worsen the pain.

Avoid taking linagliptin 5 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Linagliptin does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of linagliptin. 

1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature  
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture  
3. Keep away from the reach of children 

1. Take linagliptin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking linagliptin without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.  

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name- 

8-[(3R)-3-Aminopiperidin-1-yl]-7-(but-2-yn-1-yl)-3-methyl-1-[(4-methylquinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione 

Daily Dose

Take linagliptin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

Overdosing symptoms of linagliptin include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. If you know someone who has taken this medicine and is experiencing these symptoms, rush them to the hospital immediately.

Diabetes cannot be cured permanently, but with a healthy lifestyle and exercise, it can be managed easily. Diabetic patients are advised to monitor their blood sugar level before and after meals. Following are the natural ways to manage blood sugar levels:  

1- Food

Eating healthy is important for managing diabetes. Carbohydrates have a huge impact on our blood sugar level, as they break into sugar (glucose), which is poison for diabetic patients as they already have elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is essential for a diabetic patient to count the amount of carbohydrates he is taking. 

2- Do Exercise

Exercise plays an important role in managing diabetes. When our body moves and gets active, the muscles use blood sugar for energy, resulting in a low amount of sugar in our bloodstream. Adults are advised to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week. 

3- Medicine

Take your medicine on time, as it is designed to lower blood sugar levels. 

4- Avoid Alcohol

Consumptions of alcohol while on therapy with metformin increase the risk of lactic acidosis, that is, lactic acid increases in the bloodstream. Lactic acid can cause symptoms like muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, and weakness. Alcohol also decreases the level of blood sugar. It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while on linagliptin.

1- What is the maximum daily dose of linagliptin?

You should not take more than 5 mg of linagliptin per day.

2- Does linagliptin cause weight loss?

No, linagliptin does not cause weight loss. 

3- Which is better- sitagliptin or linagliptin?

All the studies conducted to compare the two medicines found that sitagliptin and linagliptin have similar efficacy, with no significant difference between them. 

1. NHS. About linagliptin [Internet]. London: National Health Service (NHS); [cited 2025 Mar 31]. Available from. 
2. NHS. How and when to take linagliptin [Internet]. London: National Health Service (NHS); [cited 2025 Mar 31]. Available from. 
3. MedlinePlus. Linagliptin: MedlinePlus drug information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [cited 2025 Mar 31]. Available from. 
4. DrugBank. Linagliptin [Internet]. Edmonton (AB): DrugBank Online; [cited 2025 Mar 31]. Available from. 
5. Mayo Clinic. Linagliptin (oral route) – description [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; [cited 2025 Mar 31]. Available from.