VOGLIBOSE AN ANTIDIABETIC AGENT

1. VOGLIBOSE(An Anti- Diabetic Agent)
Voglibose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used for lowering post-prandial blood glucose levels
in people with diabetes mellitus. Voglibose delays the absorption of glucose thereby reduces the
risk of macrovascular complications. Voglibose is a research product of Takeda Pharma, a Japan
based company.
Postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG) is primarily due to first phase insulin secretion. Alpha
glucosidase inhibitors delay glucose absorption at the intestine level and thereby prevent sudden
surge of glucose after a meal.There are three drugs which belong to this class, acarbose, miglitol
and voglibose, of which voglibose is the newest. Voglibose scores over both acarbose and
miglitol in terms of side effect profile. But acarbose has an edge over voglibose in terms of
efficacy (FPG, PPHG, HBA1c).
Chemical Formula
C10-H21-N-O7
Molecular Weight
267
Therapeutic Category
Oral antidiabetic agent: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
Chemical Name
3,4-Dideoxy-4-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino]-2-C-(hydroxymethyl)-D-epiinositol
Indication&Dosage: Oral Diabetes mellitus
Adult: 200-300 mcg tid.
Elderly: Initiate at lower doses.
Administration: Should be taken with food. Take just before meals.

2. Mechanism of Action: Voligbose has general properties similar to acarbose and selectively
inhibits α-glucosidase in the enteric canal, delaying the digestion and absorption of carbohydrate,
thereby suppressing sharp increase in post-prandial plasma glucose.
Contraindications :Inflammatory bowel disease; GI obstruction or patients predisposed to it;
conditions which may deteriorate as a result of increased gas formation eg, hernia; severe
ketosis; diabetic coma or pre-coma; severe infection; hypersensitivity; pregnancy; lactation. Not
to be used as monotherapy in IDDM.
Special Precautions: History of laparotomy or ileus. Roemheld's syndrome, stenosis, severe
hepatic or renal impairment. Child <18 yr; elderly. Monitor LFT. Treat hypoglycaemic episodes
with glucose (not with sucrose).
Adverse Drug Reactions :Flatulence; abdominal distension; diarrhoea; pain; skin
reactions;hypoglycemia; increased LFT.
Potentially Fatal: Hepatotoxicity. Drug Interactions May enhance effects of other antidiabetics
including insulin.
Storage: Oral: Store below 30°C.