Alpha glucosidase inhibitors

Question 1

Alpha glucosidase inhibitors are also called:

Answer 1

Starch blockers

Question 2

Alpha glucosidase inhibitors: Acarbose (Precose), Miglitol (Glyset) MOA:

Answer 2

Competitively and reversibly antagonizes enzymes in the intestinal brush border responsible for digesting complex carbs (slows breakdown and dec. absorption)
Delays glucose absorption

Question 3

What are Acarbose and Miglitol mainly used for

Answer 3

Lowering post prandial hyperglycemia

Question 4

How are Acarbose and Miglitol absorbed and excreted?

Answer 4

Not absorbed after oral administration

Excreted in stool

Question 5

AE of Acarbose and Miglitol are:

Answer 5

GI-abd distension/pain, diarrhea, flatulence

Often difficult to tolerated

Question 6

Can Acarbose or Miglitol causes hypoglycemia?

Answer 6

No, it has no effect on insulin levels in the body

Question 7

When should Acarbose and Miglitol be taken?

Answer 7

With the FIRST BITE of a meal

Question 8

If patients on combination therapy with Acarbose and Miglitol become hypoglycemic how should they be treated?

Answer 8

Treat with glucose, not sucrose containing carb. Sucrose’s breakdown will be inhibited by the Acarbose or Miglitol

Question 9

What type of patients should alpha glucosidase inhibitors be used with caution in?

Answer 9

Patients with a history or IBD, colonic ulceration, or intestinal obstruction that could worsen with gas formation