Some patients may prefer to take Jardiance (empagliflozin) at night for convenience or to pair it with their evening medications. However, taking Jardiance at night can increase the risk of waking up frequently to urinate, a side effect known as nocturia. Because Jardiance works by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose through the urine, it also increases fluid loss—especially overnight when hydration is limited.
For this reason, it’s generally recommended to take Jardiance in the morning. Morning dosing helps reduce nighttime bathroom trips, lowers the risk of dehydration while sleeping, and aligns better with the body’s natural rhythms for improved tolerability.
Key Takeaways
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is best taken in the morning to reduce the risk of nocturia (waking up to urinate), dehydration, and dizziness that can occur with overnight fluid loss. Morning dosing aligns better with the body’s natural rhythms and daily hydration cycle.
Based on a study performed in 2021, evening dosing showed slightly higher total drug exposure and glucose excretion, but the differences were not clinically significant and remained within bioequivalence limits—meaning morning and evening doses are equally effective in terms of glucose control.
There is no added benefit to taking Jardiance (empagliflozin) at night, and no advantage to splitting the dose. Once-daily morning dosing is clinically effective and better tolerated by most patients.
Effectiveness of Taking Jardiance (Empagliflozin) at Night
In 2021, a study was performed looking at the T-max absorption levels of taking Jardiance (empagliflozin) in the morning and at night. The results of the study are the following:
Chronopharmacological Effects of Empagliflozin (Jardiance 10 mg)
Chronopharmacological effects from the study:
Parameter | Evening Dose | Morning Dose | Outcome/Implication |
T-max (Time to peak) | 2.5 h (↑35%) | 1.625 h | Slower absorption in evening dose |
C-max (Peak concentration) | 118 ng/ml (↓6.5%) | 125.6 ng/ml | Slightly lower peak concentration in evening dose; not statistically significant |
AUC 0–t | 960 ng·h/ml (↑8.1%) | 888 ng·h/ml | Total drug exposure higher in evening dose; P = 0.057 (not significant) |
AUC 0–∞ | 980 ng·h/ml (↑8.25%) | 899 ng·h/ml | Slightly higher for evening; P = 0.036 (statistically significant) |
UGE 0–24 h | 69 g (↑43%) | 39 g | Greater urinary glucose excretion with evening dose; P = 0.7317 (not significant) |
Bioequivalence criteria met? | Yes | Yes | All differences fall within accepted bioequivalence limits |
Adverse events | None | None | Well tolerated at both dosing times |
Takeaways From the Study
Pharmacokinetics: Evening dosing resulted in slightly slower absorption (higher T-max) and greater total exposure (AUC 0–∞), but these differences did not breach bioequivalence limits.
Pharmacodynamics: Evening dosing showed a 43% increase in urinary glucose excretion, but this was not statistically significant.
Clinical Implication: There is no clear superiority of morning or evening dosing based on statistically significant outcomes; either timing is acceptable, supporting flexibility in administration.
Why Jardiance (Empagliflozin) Is Commonly Taken in the Morning
Here are the most common reasons why Jardiance is usually taken in the morning:
1. Reduces Nighttime Urination (Nocturia)
Jardiance (empagliflozin) increases urinary glucose excretion (UGE), which leads to more frequent urination, especially in the first 12–24 hours after taking the dose.
In the referenced study, participants who took evening doses of Jardiance (empagliflozin) experienced higher urinary glucose excretion (69 g vs. 39 g), which is correlated with more urine output.
Patient implication: Taking Jardiance (empagliflozin) at night can cause disrupted sleep due to the need to wake up to urinate, a side effect known as nocturia.
2. Reduces Risk of Dehydration Overnight
Jardianc (empagliflozin) works by promoting glucose loss through the urine, which pulls water with it, increasing fluid loss.
Taking it at night may result in significant fluid loss during sleep, when hydration is harder to manage, potentially increasing the risk of:
Dehydration
Dizziness upon waking
Low blood pressure (hypotension) in the morning
3. No Significant Pharmacologic Benefit at Night
According to the study, evening dosing showed slightly higher drug exposure (AUC 0–∞) and higher glucose excretion, but these differences were not statistically significant.
T-max (time to peak absorption) was actually delayed in the evening, suggesting slower onset of action at night compared to morning.
Since no clinically significant advantage is observed with evening dosing, the morning dose is favored to align with the body’s natural activity rhythm.
Common Side Effects Relevant to Timing
Common side effects related to dosage timing:
Side Effect | Impact of Nighttime Use |
Increased urination | More likely to wake up during the night (nocturia) |
Dehydration | Fluid loss occurs during overnight fasting |
Dizziness or lightheadedness | Higher chance upon waking if fluids not replenished |
Common Questions
Questions and answers for patients:
1. Can I take Jardiance (Empagliflozin) in both the morning and evening to increase its effectiveness?
No. Jardiance (empagliflozin) is designed for once-daily dosing, and taking it more frequently does not increase its effectiveness but may increase the risk of dehydration, urinary tract infections, or low blood pressure. Never change your dosing schedule without consulting your doctor.
2. Why does Jardiance (Empagliflozin) make me urinate more often?
Jardiance (empagliflozin) works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, causing it to be excreted in urine. This process pulls water with it, resulting in increased urination. This is most noticeable during the first few weeks of treatment or if taken in the evening, which is why morning dosing is preferred to avoid disrupting sleep.
3. What happens if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your dose of Jardiance, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s close to your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
4. Are there side effects I should watch for with nighttime dosing?
Yes. Taking Jardiance (empagliflozin) at night can lead to:
Nocturia (waking up to urinate)
Disrupted sleep
Dehydration overnight, especially if fluid intake is low
For these reasons, morning use is better tolerated for most patients.
5. Can Jardiance (Empagliflozin) cause tiredness, fatigue, or a “zombie-like” feeling?
Fatigue or sleepiness is not commonly listed among the official side effects of Jardiance, but some patients report feeling unusually tired, sluggish, or “zombie-like” after starting the medication. While this isn’t a well-documented or frequent reaction, it may be related to:
Dehydration from increased urination, especially if fluid intake isn’t adequately maintained
Electrolyte imbalances, which can occur as a result of fluid loss
Lowered blood pressure (hypotension), especially in patients also taking blood pressure medications
Adjustment phase side effects, like nausea or headaches, which can contribute to fatigue
If you’re experiencing persistent tiredness or other unusual symptoms, don’t ignore them. Speak to your healthcare provider—they may recommend lab tests, adjusting your dose, or switching medications.
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Sources
ElDash, R. M., Raslan, M. A., Shaheen, S. M., & Sabri, N. A. (2021). The effect of morning versus evening administration of empagliflozin on its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics characteristics in healthy adults: A two-way crossover, non-randomised trial. F1000Research, 10, 321. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8167502/
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). JARDIANCE® (empagliflozin) tablets, for oral use: Prescribing information. Retrieved from https://content.boehringer-ingelheim.com/DAM/7d9c411c-ec33-4f82-886f-af1e011f35bb/jardiance-us-pi.pdf
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