ACARBOSE

ACARBOSE

BRAND NAME:- GLUCOBAY 50,100mg tabs ,ASUCROSE, GLUCAR  50mg tabs.

ACARBOSE is a miscellaneous antidiabetic ,class of alpha -Glucosidase inhibitors drug. 

ACARBOSE is a mild antihyperglycaemic and not a hypoglycaemic .

PHARMACOLOGICAL & MECHANISM OF ACTION:- It is a complex oligosaccharide which reversibly inhibits alpha- glucosidases, the final enzyme for the digestion of carbohydrates in the brush border of small intestine mucosa . It slows down and decrease digestion and absorption of polysaccharides (strach,etc.) and sucrose. In addition,GLP-1 release is promoted which may contribute to the effect. Postprandial glycaemia is reduced without significant increase in insulin levels. Regular use lowers HbA1c modestly (by 0.4-0.8%) ,but change in body weight and lipid level is minimal. The stop- NIDDM trail (2002) has shown that long- trem ACARBOSE treatment in prediabetics reduced occurance of type 2DM as well as hypertension and cardiac disease. In diabetics,it reduced cardiovascular events.

USED:- as an adjuvant to diet (with or without metformin /SU) in obese Diabetics.

Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Acarbose works in your intestines to slow the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates from foods that you eat. This effect helps lessen your blood sugar rise after a meal.

treatment of type 2 Diabetics.

DOSE:- 50-100mg TDS is taken at the beginning of each major meal .

ABSORPTION:- only a small fraction of the dose is absorbed.

SIDE EFFECTS:- Flatulence, abdominal discomfort and loose stool are produced in about 50% patients due to fermentation of unabsorbed carbohydrates. Patient acceptability of alpha -Glucosidase inhibitors is poor due to uncomfortable g.i. symptoms. Hepatic transaminase may rise , but liver damage is rare.