Glibenclamide pharmacokinetics in acarbose-treated type 2 diabetics

A single dose of glibenclamide 5 mg was administered to six Type 2 diabetics, randomly treated for 7 days either with acarbose (3 X 100 mg daily) or with placebo. The serum concentration of the drug was measured for 10 h. Peak concentrations, times-to-peak concentration, elimination half-lives and the extent of bioavailability of the drug were not significantly modified by acarbose. The combined administration of glibenclamide and acarbose resulted in a modest improvement in the blood glucose profile after breakfast and lunch, together with a significant diminution in plasma insulin. Thus, acarbose appears a useful additional treatment for Type 2 diabetics already receiving sulphonylurea derivatives.