Abstract

AGI: UPDATE ON ITS THERAPEUTIC USE IN DIABETES AND ADVERSE EVENTS

L. Sreenivasamurthy,†*, Anil Kumar Virmani,†, Abhinav Gupta,†, Arun Kumar Kedia,† and Shankha Shubhra Sen,†

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Abstract

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are a class of drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which act by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzyme, thereby delaying absorption of complex carbohydrates and lowering postprandial glucose peaks. Of the three alpha-glucosidase inhibitors that exist, acarbose was the first that was developed, and is the most prescribed. It delays absorption of monosaccharides after a meal. Its activity is reliable and persistent with long-term use, and there are no reports that indicate a possibility of acarbose failure. Voglibose, which was developed after acarbose, has similar pharmacology and comparable action, at a lower dose. Miglitol differs from the other alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in its pharmacology, where it is completely absorbed from the intestine, but also has postprandial glucose lowering effect. All alphaglucosidase inhibitors have reported similar adverse events, generally gastrointestinal in nature. They are indicated for use in type 2 diabetes and have proven efficacy both in monotherapy and when taken with other oral anti-diabetic agents.

Keywords: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Acarbose, Voglibose, Miglitol, Post prandial glucose.