What is the brand name (Januvia) of sitagliptin and the recommended dosing for adults?

Sitagliptin Brand Name and Dosing

The brand name of sitagliptin is Januvia, and the standard recommended dose is 100 mg once daily, taken with or without food 1.

Standard Dosing

• 100 mg once daily for patients with normal or mildly impaired kidney function (CrCl ≥50 mL/min)
• Can be taken with or without food
• No titration required 1

Renal Dose Adjustments

Critical pitfall: Sitagliptin requires dose adjustment based on kidney function 2, 1. Assessment of renal function is mandatory before initiation and periodically thereafter:

• Mild renal insufficiency (CrCl ≥50 mL/min): No adjustment needed - use 100 mg daily
• Moderate renal insufficiency (CrCl 30 to <50 mL/min): Reduce to 50 mg once daily
• Severe renal insufficiency (CrCl <30 mL/min) or ESRD requiring dialysis: Reduce to 25 mg once daily
  • May be given without regard to timing of hemodialysis 1

Combination Therapy Considerations

When combining Januvia with insulin or sulfonylureas, reduce the dose of the insulin secretagogue or insulin to minimize hypoglycemia risk 1. The 2025 ADA guidelines note that DPP-4 inhibitors like sitagliptin have intermediate glucose-lowering efficacy, are weight neutral, and carry low hypoglycemia risk when used alone 2.

Available Tablet Strengths

• 100 mg (beige, round, marked "277")
• 50 mg (light beige, round, marked "112")
• 25 mg (pink, round, marked "221") 1

Key Safety Monitoring

• Assess renal function before starting and monitor periodically
• Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected 1
• Monitor for joint pain and bullous pemphigoid (rare postmarketing reports) 2