Acarbose
Acarbose
Acarbose (pronounced as /ˈækərboʊs/) is an anti-diabetic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and, in some countries, prediabetes. It is a generic medication marketed under various brand names, including Precose, Glucobay, and Prandase.
Etymology
The term "Acarbose" is derived from the words "Acarviosin" and "Glucose", which are the two molecules that make up the structure of this drug. Acarviosin is a natural cyclic oligosaccharide and glucose is a simple sugar.
Usage
Acarbose works by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates in the gut. This slows the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, helping to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels after meals. It is often used in combination with other anti-diabetic medications or insulin.
Related Terms
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor: A class of anti-diabetic drugs that includes acarbose.
- Postprandial hyperglycemia: A condition that acarbose helps to manage, characterized by high blood sugar levels after eating.
- Hypoglycemia: A potential side effect of acarbose, involving low blood sugar levels.
Side Effects
Common side effects of acarbose include gastrointestinal problems such as flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Less common but more serious side effects can include jaundice, hepatitis, and thrombocytopenia.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acarbose
- Wikipedia's article - Acarbose
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