Alfa-Glucosidase Inhibitors
- Alfa-Glucosidase Inhibitors are oral drugs for Type 2 Diabetes
- These drugs inhibit the alfa-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine
- Alfa-Glucosidase Inhibitors interfere with the breakdown of carbohydrates & delays the absorption of glucose
- Alfa-Glucosidase Inhibitors are less effective than other drugs in decreasing the A1C
- Decreases A1C 0.5-1%
- Must be taken with at the beginning of each meal to lower postprandial glucose levels
- Do not give to patients with intestinal disease or GI obstruction
- Do not give to patients with kidney or liver failure
- Only antidiabetic agent whose effects do not depend on the presence of insulin
- Reduces PPBS in type 1 & Type 2 diabetics
- Arcabose decreases absorption of metformin
Drug Names
Acarbose-Precose, Miglitol-Glyset
Acarbose & Miglitol
Side Effects
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal distension
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- May cause hypoglycemia when combined with insulins
- Long-term use may cause liver damage; LFT’s should be monitored q 3 months
Key Notes
- If the patient is hypoglycemic and taking an Alfa-Glucosidase Inhibitor, it is important to treat the patient with glucose and not sucrose because sucrose is inhibited by Alfa-Glucosidase Inhibitor drugs.
- Drugs that increase blood glucose: thiazide diuretics, glucocorticoids, alcohol, sympathomimetics, diltiazem, estrogens, morphine, nicotine, oral contraceptives, thyroid products.
- Beta Blockers mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia and prevent hepatic glucose production.
References
Edmunds, M. W., & Mayhew, M. S. (2014). Pharmacology for the primary care provider (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Harvey, R. A., Clark, M. A., Finkel, R., Rey, J. A., & Whalen, K. (2012). Pharmacology (5th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott.