Getting canagliflozin right starts with understanding invokana dosage and how your health profile shapes it. This guide explains strengths, titration, safety checkpoints, and when dose changes may be considered. You will also see how kidney function, side effects, and other medicines factor into a safer plan.
Key Takeaways
- Start low, go slow: titration depends on kidney function and tolerance.
- Hydration matters: volume depletion can worsen side effects and dizziness.
- Watch for infections: genital and urinary infections are common risks.
- Pause during illness: surgery or acute illness may require temporary hold.
Invokana Dosage: Core Recommendations
Canagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 blocker) used with diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes. It is usually taken once daily before the first meal. Clinicians often begin with a lower strength and consider an increase only if blood glucose remains above target and the medicine is well tolerated. Because this medicine promotes glucose excretion in urine, patients should maintain adequate fluid intake to reduce dizziness and dehydration.
Dose decisions depend on kidney function, current A1C, and co-therapies. If volume status is marginal, prescribers may delay titration until hydration improves. For background on this drug’s class and how it lowers blood sugar, see Invokana Drug Class for context on SGLT2 physiology.
Strengths and How to Take It
Tablets come in two strengths; many adults begin with invokana 100 mg once daily. Take it preferably before the first meal to enhance urinary glucose excretion throughout the day. Swallow tablets whole with water. If you miss a dose, take it when remembered the same day; skip it if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double up.
Food does not impair absorption, but prescribers often choose a pre-breakfast schedule for consistency. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, taking it with food may help. For a quick look at available tablet strengths, see Invokana 100mg 300mg for strength references and packaging details.
When to Consider the Higher Dose
Some adults who tolerate therapy and need additional glycemic effect may be considered for invokana 300 mg. This decision usually follows review of kidney function, blood pressure, and recent side effects. Clinicians watch for volume depletion, genital infections, and dizziness when increasing dose. They also reassess diuretics or blood pressure medicines that can compound fluid losses.
Label guidance outlines dose limits and renal thresholds. For dosing thresholds and safety warnings, see the FDA label for canagliflozin. Cost can influence dose choices too; for budgeting considerations as regimens change, see Lower Invokana Price for practical cost-saving ideas.
Maximum Dose Limits and Special Cases
The invokana maximum dosage is generally capped at 300 mg once daily. People with reduced kidney function may not qualify for the higher strength, or may not be candidates for canagliflozin at all for glycemic control. When nearing dose limits, prescribers often review blood pressure, hydration, and a recent metabolic panel to prevent adverse events.
Evidence-based guidelines emphasize kidney status, cardiovascular risk, and safety monitoring when adjusting SGLT2 inhibitors. For current practice guidance that informs these limits, review the ADA Standards of Care. If heart failure prevention is part of your plan, see SGLT2 Inhibitors Heart Failure for how this class fits broader care.
Dose Adjustments by Kidney and Liver Function
Renal function strongly guides canagliflozin dosage. As kidney filtration declines, urinary glucose excretion falls and side effect risks can rise. Many patients with moderate impairment remain on the lower strength. Those with more advanced impairment often avoid dose increases or may not use the drug for blood sugar control. Hepatic impairment also warrants caution because it can alter drug exposure and dehydration risks.
Clinicians use estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), electrolytes, and blood pressure trends to adjust therapy. They may also revisit diuretic doses to avoid compounding volume loss. For a comparison perspective on another SGLT2 inhibitor’s dosing, see Farxiga Dosing for how thresholds are applied. In chronic kidney disease care, adjunct agents like Kerendia may be considered by specialists for albuminuric disease; this is a different class and purpose.
Safety, Contraindications, and Monitoring
Key invokana contraindications include a history of serious hypersensitivity to canagliflozin and patients on dialysis. The drug is not used for type 1 diabetes because of ketoacidosis risk. Clinicians advise caution in people with active foot ulcers, peripheral vascular disease, or neuropathy due to historical amputation signals in this class. They also review volume status and blood pressure before changes.
Monitoring focuses on kidney function, electrolytes, volume status, and signs of infections. People who combine medicines may need tighter follow-up. For those taking or considering metformin with canagliflozin, see Invokana Metformin Combination for when dual therapy may be discussed with a clinician. If a fixed-dose option is later considered, Invokamet provides a combined tablet; dosing and risks remain prescriber-directed.
Side Effects: What to Watch For
Common side effects of invokana include increased urination, thirst, dizziness, and genital yeast infections. Some people also report urinary tract infections and nausea. Diarrhea can occur, particularly when starting therapy or when combined with other agents. Seek medical help urgently for signs of ketoacidosis such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or unusual fatigue, even if your glucose meter reading is not very high.
Men and women can experience genital infections; hygiene and prompt treatment help reduce recurrence. Hydration and gradual titration can lessen dizziness and low blood pressure, especially in hot weather or with diuretics. For practical strategies to lower risk, see Minimize Invokana Side Effects for prevention and early-action tips discussed in plain language.
Class Warnings and Risk Patterns
Some canagliflozin side effects reflect class warnings shared by SGLT2 inhibitors. These include euglycemic ketoacidosis, rare necrotizing infections of the perineum, hypotension, and volume depletion. Bone fracture risk has been described historically, so clinicians may assess fall risk and bone health in susceptible patients. Care teams often advise pausing therapy during acute illness, fasting, or surgery to reduce metabolic complications.
Comparing options within the class can clarify benefit–risk for an individual. For a balanced comparison of two SGLT2 agents, see Invokana vs Jardiance for differences in dosing, effects, and precautions. Such comparisons, paired with your lab results and history, support more tailored decisions with your prescriber.
Pricing, Access, and Alternatives
Affordability influences adherence and dose persistence. Manufacturer programs, pharmacy comparisons, and insurance reviews may reduce out-of-pocket costs. If costs remain high, consider discussing other SGLT2 agents or combination tablets that align with your targets and budget. For cost-lowering approaches, see Invokana Generic Guide for a clear overview of current options and timing.
Some individuals do better on different combinations or classes. Metformin-based combinations, DPP-4 combinations, or GLP-1 receptor agonists may be considered based on A1C needs and comorbidities. If a metformin plus DPP-4 pairing is being explored, Janumet XR offers an alternative formulation; dosing decisions remain clinician-led and individualized.
Recap
Canagliflozin dosing hinges on kidney function, tolerance, and treatment goals. Start low, monitor carefully, and reassess dose only when safety markers look stable. When side effects appear, early action and hydration help. Work with your care team to match dose, timing, and co-therapies to your changing health picture.
Note: External medical guidance evolves. For current official instructions, consult the latest product label and professional guidelines linked above.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
