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Acarbose: an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
1Drug Information Service, University of Michigan Health System (UMHS), Ann Arbor, USA.
Summary
Acarbose, an antidiabetic drug, inhibits carbohydrate digestion to lower blood glucose levels. It improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, with common side effects like digestive issues.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Acarbose is a novel antidiabetic agent.
- It functions by inhibiting intestinal alpha-glucosidases, crucial enzymes for carbohydrate metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy of acarbose.
- To evaluate its role in managing non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on acarbose.
- Analysis of placebo-controlled trials and combination therapy studies.
Main Results:
- Acarbose reduces post-prandial hyperglycemia and glycosylated hemoglobin.
- It demonstrates efficacy as monotherapy and adjunct therapy with sulfonylureas and insulin.
- Common adverse effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence.
Conclusions:
- Acarbose effectively improves metabolic control in type 2 diabetes.
- It may be considered for first-line or combination therapy.
- Further research is needed on its long-term effects on diabetes complications.