Posology of Antidiabetic Drugs and Insulins: A Review of Standard Textbooks

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this bibliographic review is to assess whether standard pharmacology, endocrinology and diabetology textbooks adequately mention the details regarding timings of administration, frequency and dose of various oral and injectable antidiabetic drugs. Material and methods: Four standard textbooks of pharmacology, two of diabetology and three of endocrinology were assessed for the published information regarding dose, timing and frequency of antidiabetic drugs. Results: Various omissions and contraindications were found in the coverage of glucose-lowering drugs in standard textbooks. Proper timing and frequency of administration of sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors have been omitted in majority of the textbooks. Conclusions: This article stresses upon the need of a uniform source of information for providing adequate and standardized knowledge regarding timing, frequency and dose of antidiabetic drugs.