Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of alpha gluco inhibitors

Answer 1

alpha G is an enzyme located in the intestinal brush border. It’s responsible for breaking down carbs into glucose and absorbing into blood. Alpha G inhibitor blocks alpha glucosidase which decreases the rate of absorption of glucose

Question 2

What are some of the implications of alpha G given it’s mechanism of actin

Answer 2

1) Can only treat hypoglycemia with pure glucose, dextrose tabs, milk and honey. Complex carbs will take longer to digest
2) decrease absorption of digoxin
2) increase absorption of warfarin

Question 3

What are side effects of alpha G inhibitors

Answer 3

GI –> bloating, cramps, farting most common because of fermentation of unabsorbed carbs, sits in large intestine for longer.

Question 4

What is the drug associated with alpha G inhibitors

Answer 4

Acarbose

start: 50mg, max: 300mg

Question 5

What are contraindications

Answer 5

eGFR <30, IBD, intestinal ulcers, cirrhosis