Lishengtai Voglibose Tablets

1. Indications and Usage
Type 2 Diabetes: Indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
Target: Primarily targets the reduction of postprandial hyperglycemia.
2. Dosage and Administration
Starting Dose: The usual starting dose is 0.2 mg three times daily, taken immediately before meals.
Titration: The dose may be gradually increased to 0.4 mg three times daily based on efficacy and tolerability. The maximum recommended dose is 0.6 mg three times daily.
Administration: The tablet must be swallowed immediately before the first bite of a meal. If a meal is skipped, the corresponding dose should be omitted.
3. Mechanism of Action
Enzyme Inhibition: Voglibose inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes (such as maltase, glucoamylase, and sucrase) on the brush border of the small intestine.
Delayed Absorption: This inhibition delays the breakdown and absorption of complex carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, and disaccharides, thereby blunting postprandial glucose spikes.
4. Safety and Warnings
Gastrointestinal Effects: Flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal distension are very common, particularly at the initiation of therapy or if the diet is high in carbohydrates.
Hypoglycemia: Voglibose alone does not cause hypoglycemia. However, in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas, hypoglycemia may occur and must be treated with glucose (dextrose), as sucrose (table sugar) is ineffective.
Contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with cirrhosis or liver dysfunction, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, or intestinal obstruction.
Monitoring: Abnormal liver function tests should be monitored, and the drug should be discontinued if significant abnormalities occur.
5. Adverse Reactions and Clinical Research
Common Adverse Reactions: Increased flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal distension, and borborygmi.
Other Adverse Effects: Rare cases of elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP), jaundice, and skin rashes have been reported.
Clinical Findings: Clinical trials have demonstrated significant reductions in postprandial glucose levels and HbA1c with a low incidence of hypoglycemia.
6. Drug Interactions
Hypoglycemic Agents: Concomitant use with insulin or sulfonylureas increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
Digestive Enzymes: Concomitant use with pancreatic enzyme preparations (e.g., pancreatin) may reduce the efficacy of voglibose.
Constipating Drugs: Drugs that slow intestinal motility (e.g., anticholinergics) may interfere with voglibose’s effect on postprandial glucose.
7. Pharmaceutical Information
Active Ingredient: Voglibose.
Strengths: Typically available as 0.2 mg tablets.
Appearance: The tablets are usually white or off-white film-coated tablets.
Storage: Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light.