Glucobay

Glucobay (acarbose) is a drug used to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Acarbose belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. It works by slowing or blocking the enzymes that normally break down carbohydrates in food, thereby slowing the absorption of sugars from food into the bloodstream. This helps lower blood glucose levels after meals.

Glucobay is usually taken with or just before meals. Patients with type 2 diabetes can take Glucobay with other blood sugar control medications or as monotherapy.

Indications Glucobay

Glucobay is used to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is prescribed as an adjunct to diet, physical activity and other methods of treating diabetes mellitus.

Release form

Glucobay (Acarbose) is usually available in tablet form for oral administration.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Inhibitory action: Acarbose inhibits the action of α-glucosidase in the intestine, which leads to a delay in the hydrolysis of carbohydrates and, therefore, a delay in their absorption. This results in a gradual decrease in glycemia after carbohydrate ingestion.
2. Reduction of peak glycemia: Inhibition of α-glucosidase reduces the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed from food, resulting in a decrease in the peak glycemia after a meal.
3. Reduction of postprandial hyperglycemia: Glucobay helps to lower blood glucose levels after meals, which is especially important for people with diabetes or those predisposed to hyperglycemia.
4. Improved glucose control: Because Glucobay reduces the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed from food, it helps to improve blood glucose control in patients with diabetes.
5. Modulation of insulin resistance: Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, some studies suggest that acarbose may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.
6. Suppression of postprandial hyperinsulinemia: Because carbohydrates are absorbed more slowly, high insulin levels that are usually seen after carbohydrate intake may be reduced.

Pharmacokinetics

Information on the pharmacokinetics of acarbose is limited, especially in the context of metabolism, distribution and excretion from the body. It is likely that most of the acarbose remains in the intestine and exerts its effect at the level of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dosing and administration

The dosage and method of use of Glucobay (Acarbose) are usually determined individually depending on the doctor’s recommendations and the instructions included with the drug. Glucobay is usually taken orally during meals or immediately after meals. Dosage may vary depending on the degree of hyperglycemia and other factors. It is recommended to strictly follow the doctor's instructions and the instructions for the drug.

Use Glucobay during pregnancy

1. General information:

   • There is insufficient data on the safety of acarbose during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown some risks, but the lack of sufficient human studies means that potential risks to fetal development have not been fully established.

2. Healthcare guidelines:

   • Most guidelines agree that the use of acarbose during pregnancy is not recommended due to insufficient safety data. This applies to all trimesters of pregnancy.

3. Alternative treatment:

   • Insulin is generally preferred for blood glucose control during pregnancy because it is considered safer and more effective. Insulin does not affect the fetus in the same way as some oral hypoglycemic agents.

Contraindications

1. Known allergic reaction: Patients with a known allergy to the active substance (acarbose) or any other components of the drug should avoid its use.
2. Intestinal diseases: In patients with intestinal diseases, such as gastric or intestinal ulcers, colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, the use of Glucobay may be contraindicated or require caution.
3. Liver Impairment: Patients with severe hepatic impairment may have difficulty metabolizing acarbose, which may increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, Glucobay may be contraindicated or require caution in such patients.
4. Renal failure: In patients with severe renal failure, caution is recommended when using Glucobay, as its effectiveness and safety may be reduced due to a decrease in the rate of elimination of the drug from the body.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Data on the safety of acarbose during pregnancy and breastfeeding are limited, therefore the use of Glucobay in such cases requires special caution and consultation with a doctor.

Side effects Glucobay

1. Gastrointestinal disturbances such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea.
2. Rarely, skin reactions such as rashes or itching may occur.
3. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may occur in some cases, especially in patients taking Glucobay with other diabetes medications.

Overdose

1. Gastrointestinal disorders: Symptoms may include abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and gas.
2. Hypoglycemia: In rare cases of too high a dose, symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) may occur, such as hunger, sweating, trembling, weakness, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, drowsiness and even loss of consciousness. This is especially important for people taking insulin or other hypoglycemic drugs.
3. Other possible symptoms: Other symptoms associated with the unwanted effects of acarbose may occur, such as headache, chickenpox, back pain and muscle pain.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Hypoglycemic drugs: Glucobay may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of insulin and sulfonylureas, which may lead to a risk of hypoglycemia.
2. Medicines affecting digestion: Since Glucobay slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, its use together with other drugs affecting digestion may change the rate of absorption of other drugs.
3. Anticoagulants: The combined use of Glucobay with anticoagulants, such as warfarin, may lead to an increase in their effect due to a delay in the absorption of food.
4. Medicines for the treatment of hypertension: Glucobay may increase the hypotensive effect of drugs for the treatment of hypertension, which requires blood pressure control.
5. Medicines for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy: The combined use of Glucobay with drugs used to treat diabetic nephropathy may increase their effectiveness.