Antidiabetes Drugs; Indications, Side Effects, Drug Interactions

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 7 min read
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Antidiabetes drugs is used in diabetes treat diabetes mellitus by lowering glucose levels in the blood. With the exceptions of insulin, exenatide, liraglutide and pramlintide, all are administered orally and are thus also called oral hypoglycemic agentsor oral antihyperglycemic agents. There are different classes of anti-diabetic drugs, and their selection depends on the nature of the...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Antidiabetes drugs is used in diabetes treat diabetes mellitus by lowering glucose levels in the blood. With the exceptions of insulin, exenatide, liraglutide and pramlintide, all are administered orally and are thus also called oral hypoglycemic agentsor oral antihyperglycemic agents. There are different classes of anti-diabetic drugs, and their selection depends on the nature of the diabetes, age and situation of the person, as well as other factors. Diabetes mellitus type 1 is a disease caused by...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains List of Medications for Diabetes in simple medical language.
  • This article explains New Antihyperglycemics in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Sensitizers in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Biguanides in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.
Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
  • New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
  • Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

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Start here Choose the right pathway for symptoms, reports, medicines, or urgent warning signs. Disease article roadmap Read this topic step by step: meaning, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and follow-up. Treatment planner Prepare questions about treatment choices, benefits, risks, side effects, and follow-up. Family & caregiver guide Organize symptoms, reports, medicines, questions, and follow-up safely. Nutrition & diet guide Prepare food, hydration, supplement, and medicine-timing questions safely. Prevention guide Organize risk factors, protective habits, screening, and warning signs. Recovery guide Prepare a safe plan for activity, rehabilitation, warning signs, and follow-up.
Definition

Antidiabetes drugs is used in insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes treat diabetes mellitus by lowering glucose levels in the blood. With the exceptions of insulin, exenatide, liraglutide and pramlintide, all are administered orally and are thus also called oral hypoglycemic agentsor oral antihyperglycemic agents. There are different classes of anti-diabetic drugs, and their selection depends on the nature of the diabetes, age and situation of the person, as well as other factors.

insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes mellitus type 1 is a disease caused by the lack of insulin. Insulin must be used in Type I, which must be injected.

insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a disease of insulin resistance by cells. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes. Treatments include (1) agents that increase the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas, (2) agents that increase the sensitivity of target organs to insulin, and (3) agents that decrease the rate at which glucose is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

List of Medications for insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes

  • Insulins
  • Insulin sensitizers (reduce insulin resistance)
    • Biguanides
    • Thiazolidinediones
  • Secretagogues (stimulate insulin release)
    • Sulfonylureas
    • Meglitinides
  • Agents that slow the digestive/absorptive process:
    • Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors
  • Amylin Analogues
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter-2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors
  • Combination Products

This comprehensive listing includes antihyperglycemic agents that can be used for glycemic control in insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes.

New Antihyperglycemics

Class Generic/Brand/Approval year
SGLT-2 inhibitor Canagliflozin (Invokana), 2013
DPP-4 inhibitor Alogliptin (Nesina, Vipidia), 2013
SGLT-2 inhibitor Dapagliflozin (Farxiga), 2014
SGLT-2 inhibitor Empagliflozin (Jardiance), 2014
GLP-1 receptor agonist Albiglutide (Tanzeum), 2014
GLP-1 receptor agonist Dulaglutide (Trulicity), 2014
Inhaled insulin powder Afrezza, 2014

Insulin preparations differ in how quickly they work, when they peak maximal activity, and how long they work. Insulins are available for intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration.

Generic Brand Name
Rapid Acting Insulins
Insulin aspart Novolog
Insulin glulisine Apidra
Insulin lispro Humalog
Insulin human Afrezza Inhalation Powder
Short Acting Insulins
Regular insulin Humulin R, Novolin R
Intermediate Acting Insulins
Insulin NPH Hagedorn NPH , Humulin N, Novolin N
Long Acting Insulins
Insulin detemir Levemir
Insulin glargine Lantus
Premixed Insulins
Insulin aspart protamine/
insulin aspart		 NovoLog 50/50, NovoLog 70/30
Insulin lispro protamine/
insulin lispro		 Humalog 50/50, Humalog 75/25
Combination with Insulins
Insulin glargine /Lixisenatide Soliqua 100/33
Insulin degludec/Liraglutide Xultophy 100/3.6

Sensitizers

Sensitizers increase the sensitivity of target organs to insulin.

Biguanides

Biguanides improve peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.

Generic Brand Name
Metformin Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet, Fortamet

Phenformin and Buformin were withdrawn due to lactic acidosis risk.

Thiazolidinediones (Glitazones)

Thiazolidinediones work through the improvement of insulin sensitivity by acting on adipose, muscle, and liver to increase glucose utilization and decrease glucose production.

Generic Brand Name
Rosiglitazone Avandia
Pioglitazone Actos

Secretagogues

Secretagogues increase insulin secretion by the pancreas.

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion by inhibiting the K(ATP) channel complex of the pancreatic beta cells. Sulfonylureas are used to treat type II diabetes. These agents are not indicated for type I diabetes.

Generic Brand Name
First-generation
Acetohexamide Dymelor
Chlorpropamide Diabinese
Tolazamide Tolinase
Tolbutamide Orinase
Second-generation
Glipizide Glucotrol, Minidiab, Glibenese
Glyburide (glibenclamide) Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase, Daonil, Euglycon
Glimepiride Amaryl
Gliclazide Uni Diamicron
Glyclopyramide Deamelin-S
Gliquidone Glurenorm

Meglitinides

Meglitinide derivatives stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic cells, lowering blood glucose levels.

Generic Brand Name
Nateglinide Starlix
Repaglinide Prandin, NovoNorm

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are not technically glucose lowering agents because they do not have a direct effect on insulin secretion or sensitivity. These medications slow the digestive and absorptive process, preventing postprandial glucose raise.

Generic Brand Name
Acarbose Precose, Glucobay
Miglitol Glyset
Voglibose Basen

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) Agonists

GLP-1 analogs normalize fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels without causing hypoglycemia . Also, GLP-1 analogs reduce food intake and promote modest weight loss.

Generic Brand Name
Short-acting GLP-1 analogs
Exenatide Byetta
Lixisenatide Lyxumia, Adlyxin
Long-acting GLP-1 analogs
Liraglutide Victoza
Prolonged-acting GLP-1 analogs
Albiglutide Tanzeum
Dulaglutide Trulicity
Exenatide once weekly Bydureon
Under development
Taspoglutide Phase III clinical trials

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors (Gliptins)

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors inhibit DPP-4, the enzyme that inactivates incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP.

Generic Brand Name
Alogliptin Nesina, Vipidia
Anagliptin Suiny
Linagliptin Trajenta
Saxagliptin Onglyza
Sitagliptin Januvia
Teneligliptin Tenelia
DPP-4 inhibitors under development
Dutogliptin
Gemigliptin

Amylin Analogues

Pramlintide is a synthetic form of amylin, a pancreatic peptide produced by β-cells. Amylin and pramlintide lower postprandial glucose by lowering postprandial glucagon and delaying gastric emptying. Pramlintide is indicated for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics who use insulin.

Generic Brand Name
Pramlintide Symlin

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors

SGLT-2 inhibitors are a new class of drugs for Type 2 diabetes with novel mechanism of action. SGLT-2 inhibitors block reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, leading to excretion of glucose in urine. These glucose lowering medications work independently of insulin.

Generic Brand Name
Canagliflozin Invokana
Dapagliflozin Forxiga, Farxiga
Empagliflozin Jardiance
SGLT-2 inhibitors under development
Ertugliflozin
Ipragliflozin
Remogliflozin etabonate
Tofogliflozin

Other Anti-diabetic Drugs

Generic Brand Name
Dopamine agonist
Bromocriptine Parlodel, Cycloset
Bile acid sequestrant
Colesevelam Welchol, Cholestagel, Lodalis

Combinations

Generic Brand Name
Alogliptin + Metformin Kazano
Dapagliflozin + Metformin Xigduo XR
Glipizide + Metformin Metaglip
Glyburide + Metformin Glucovance
Linagliptin + Metformin Jentadueto
Pioglitazone + Metformin Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR
Repaglinide + Metformin Prandimet
Rosiglitazone + Metformin Avandamet
Saxagliptin + Metformin Kombiglyze XR
Sitagliptin + Metformin Janumet
Rosiglitazone + Glimepiride Avandaryl
Pioglitazone + Glimepiride Duetact
Alogliptin + Pioglitazone Oseni
Simvastatin + Sitagliptin Juvisync
Empagliflozin + Metformin Synjardy

Mechanism of Action of antidiabetes drugs

Antidiabetes drugs mechanisms of action differ from other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. Antidiabetes drugs decreases blood glucose levels by decreasing hepatic glucose production, decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, and improving insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. These effects are mediated by the initial activation by  antidiabetes drugs of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a liver enzyme that plays an important role in insulin signaling, whole body energy balance, and the metabolism of glucose and fats. Activation of AMPK is required for antidiabetes drugs inhibitory effect on the production of glucose by liver cells. Increased peripheral utilization of glucose may be due to improved insulin binding to insulin receptors. Antidiabetes drugs administration also increases AMPK activity in skeletal muscle. AMPK is known to cause GLUT4 deployment to the plasma membrane, resulting in insulin-independent glucose uptake. The rare side effect, lactic acidosis, is thought to be caused by decreased liver uptake of serum lactate, one of the substrates of gluconeogenesis. In those with healthy renal function, the slight excess is simply cleared. However, those with severe renal impairment may accumulate clinically significant serum lactic acid levels. Other conditions that may precipitate lactic acidosis include severe hepatic disease and acute/decompensated heart failure.

Indications antidiabetes drugs

  • Diabetes, Type 2
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Diabetes, Type 3c
  • Insulin Resistance Syndrome
  • Female Infertility
  • For use as an adjunct to diet and exercise in adult patients (18 years and older) with NIDDM. May also be used for the management of metabolic and reproductive abnormalities associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Jentadueto is for the treatment of patients when both linagliptin and metformin is appropriate.

Side Effects of Antidiabetes Drugs

Most common

More common

Less common

  • Abnormal stools
  • bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
  • change in taste
  • difficulty with moving
  • discoloration of the fingernails or toenails
  • flu-like symptoms
  • joint pain
  • rash
  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • stuffy nose
  • swollen joints

Drug Interactions of Antidiabetes Drugs

Antidiabetes drugs may interact with following drugs ,suppliments & may decrease the efficacy of drug

Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Temperature chart and hydration assessment
  • CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
  • Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Antidiabetes Drugs; Indications, Side Effects, Drug Interactions

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.

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