Pharmacology – MCQ 118 – Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors

All of the following statements about an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor are true except:
A. Reduces intestinal absorbtion of carbohydrates
B. Effective in both type l & 2 diabetes
C. Hypoglycemia is a common & serious side effect
D. Can be used with other oral Hypoglycemic drugs

Correct answer : C. Hypoglycemia is a common & serious side effect

Important side effects of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors – flatulence, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. They arise due to presence of undigested carbohydrates in the colon which get fermented to short chain fatty acids with gas production.