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Acarbose Tablets
Acarbose slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzymes.
Acarbose slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzymes. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes.
At a glance
| Generic name | Acarbose Tablets |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| Drug class | Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor |
| Target | Alpha-glucosidase enzymes (including maltase, isomaltase, sucrase) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that competitively binds to enzymes responsible for breaking down disaccharides and complex carbohydrates into monosaccharides. By delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption, it reduces postprandial blood glucose spikes in patients with diabetes. This mechanism helps improve glycemic control without stimulating insulin secretion.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort)
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Acarbose in Combination With Standard Therapy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) (PHASE2)
- A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label, Parallel-Controlled Clinical Study Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Cofrogliptin Versus Acarbose in Drug-Naïve Patients With Type 2 Diabetes (NA)
- Endotherapy and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy for Painless Chronic Pancreatitis (NA)
- Evaluate Effects of Sprinkled Format REDUCOSE in a Carbohydrate-rich, Mixed Meal on Post-prandial Glycemia (NA)
- A Study to Learn More About How Acarbose and Metformin Work When Taken Together and How Safe They Are in Indian Patients Who Were Recently Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
- Real-World Evaluation of Omarigliptin for Type 2 Diabetes Meliitus in Bangladesh (PHASE4)
- The Efficacy and Tolerability of Acarbose in Healthy Individuals (PHASE4)
- Effect of Acarbose and Mixture of Pioglitazone and Metformin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |