ACARBOSE
Acarbose is an alpha‑glucosidase inhibitor that slows the breakdown of complex carbohydrates in the small intestine, reducing postprandial glucose spikes. It is used mainly in type 2 diabetes management. Benefits include improved glycemic control with minimal risk of hypoglycemia. Side effects often include flatulence, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea, which tend to decrease over time as the body adapts.
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Product Description
Mechanism of action
Acarbose is an intestinal alpha‑glucosidase inhibitor. It competitively inhibits enzymes located in the brush border of the small intestine that are responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into absorbable monosaccharides. This delays carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, blunting postprandial rises in blood glucose.
Benefits and advantages
Acarbose is used as an adjunctive therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve postprandial glycaemic control. Because it acts locally in the gut with minimal systemic absorption, it has little intrinsic risk of hypoglycaemia when used as monotherapy and can be combined with other antihyperglycaemic agents in tailored regimens.
Side effects and risks
The main adverse effects are gastrointestinal, including flatulence, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea, due to increased fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the colon. Rarely, elevated liver enzymes and hepatic dysfunction have been reported. Patients with significant intestinal disorders or chronic malabsorption are typically unsuitable candidates in clinical practice. As an API, acarbose should be handled using appropriate protective measures to avoid inhalation or contact exposure.
Datasheet
| Molecular Formula | C25H43NO18 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 645.6 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 56180-94-0 |
| Storage Condition | Store at 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. |
| Solubility | Solubility depends on solvent and conditions (e.g., pH). Please contact us for solvent-specific guidance. |
| Purity | Purity information is available upon request (COA). |
| Synonym | T58MSI464G; DTXSID8046034; Acarbosa; O-4,6-Dideoxy-4-(((1S,4R,5S,6S)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)amino)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-4)-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-4)-D-glucose; O-4,6-Dideoxy-4-(((1S-(1alpha,4alpha,5beta,6alpha))-4,5,6-trihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)amino)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-4)-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-4)-D-glucose |
| IUPAC/Chemical Name | (2R,3R,4R,5R)-4-[(2R,3R,4R,5S,6R)-5-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4-dihydroxy-6-methyl-5-[[(1S,4R,5S,6S)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)cyclohex-2-en-1-yl]amino]oxan-2-yl]oxy-3,4-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxyhexanal |
| InChl Key | CEMXHAPUFJOOSV-XGWNLRGSSA-N |
| InChl Code | InChI=1S/C25H43NO18/c1-7-13(26-9-2-8(3-27)14(33)18(37)15(9)34)17(36)20(39)24(41-7)44-23-12(6-30)42-25(21(40)19(23)38)43-22(11(32)5-29)16(35)10(31)4-28/h2,4,7,9-27,29-40H,3,5-6H2,1H3/t7-,9+,10+,11-,12-,13-,14-,15+,16-,17+,18+,19-,20-,21-,22-,23-,24-,25-/m1/s1 |
| References |
3D Conformer.
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