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.

mechanism of action

Acarbose reversibly bind to pancreatic alpha-amylase and membrane-bound intestinal alpha-glucoside hydrolases. These enzymes inhibit hydrolysis of complex starches to oligosaccharides in the lumen of the small intestine and hydrolysis of oligosaccharides, trisaccharides, and disaccharides to glucose and other monosaccharides in the brush border of the small intestine.

absorption

Extremely low bioavailability.

half life

2 hours

route of elimination

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

drug interactions

Digoxin: Acarbose may decrease the serum levels of digoin. It is thought that acarbose reduces digoin absorption. Monitor for changes in digoxin serum levels and therapeutic and adverse effects if acarbose is initiated, discontinued or dose changed.

Somatropin recombinant: Somatropin may antagonize the hypoglycemic effect of acarbose. Monitor for changes in fasting and postprandial blood sugars.