Acarbose

Category: pharmacological

Aliases: Precose, Glucobay

Pharmacological Mechanism

α-Glucosidase inhibitor — competitively blocks intestinal brush-border α-glucosidases delaying carbohydrate digestion → blunts post-prandial glucose spike. Modest A1c reduction (~0.5%); GI side effects (flatulence, bloating, diarrhea) limit adherence. Researcher interest in longevity (extended lifespan in male mice in NIA ITP).

Half-Life (t½)

PO: 2h

Dosing Guidelines

Target Organ Systems