Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
Examples
Acarbose
Indications
Type 2 Diabetes mellitus.
Contraindications
Contraindication
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Previous GI surgery, or risk of obstruction
- Renal impairment
- Pregnancy and breast feeding
Caution
Mechanism
Acarbose acts by inhibiting digestion and absorption of starch and sucrose. This leads to a reduction in blood glucose.
Administration
Given orally, with food.
Adverse Reactions
- Gastrointestinal upset, particularly flatulence
- Abnormal LFTs / hepatitis
Interactions
Nil of note.
Education
Patients who take acarbose with insulin or sulfonylureas should treat hypoglycaemia with glucose and not sucrose (as this is blocked by acarbose).
Pharmacokinetics
Nil of note.
