SGLT2 Inhibitors
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Using this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship.
Drug information changes as the FDA updates labeling, and we cannot guarantee it is complete or current. Verify critical details with your pharmacist or physician.
Emergencies: If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. For a suspected overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Report side effects to the FDA MedWatch program at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
See our Terms of Use and Editorial Policy.
Overview
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a class of oral diabetes medications that lower blood sugar by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, causing excess glucose to be excreted in urine.
How do sglt2 inhibitors work?
SGLT2 inhibitors work by blocking the SGLT2 protein in the proximal tubule of the kidney, which is responsible for reabsorbing approximately 90% of filtered glucose. By inhibiting this transporter, these drugs cause glucosuria (glucose in urine), reducing blood glucose levels independent of insulin secretion.
Drugs in this class
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- Canagliflozin (Invokana)