Drug Groups

approved; investigational

Description

An inhibitor of alpha glucosidase that retards the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine and hence reduces the increase in blood-glucose concentrations after a carbohydrate load. It is given orally to non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients where diet modification or oral hypoglycemic agents do not control their condition. (From Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 31st ed)

Indication

For treatment and management of diabetes type II (used in combination therapy as a second or third line agent)

Pharmacology

Used to reduce blood gluose in patients with type 2 diabetes. Acarbose is a complex oligosaccharide that delays the digestion of ingested carbohydrates, thereby resulting in a smaller rise in blood glucose concentration following meals. Acarbose binds to and inhibits alpha amylase and alpha-gluocside hydrolases. In diabetic patients, this enzyme inhibition results in a delayed glucose absorption and a lowering of postprandial hyperglycemia.

Affected Organisms

Absorption

Extremely low bioavailability.

Half Life

2 hours

Elimination

The fraction of acarbose that is absorbed as intact drug is almost completely excreted by the kidneys.

References

External Links