Managing therapy and adverse effects with antihyperglycemic agents: a focus on metformin and acarbose.
Metformin and acarbose are novel antihyperglycemic agents indicated for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. These agents offer new therapeutic options to control hyperglycemia that were previously unavailable. Common to both agents is a relatively high incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects. Initiating therapy at a low dose and slowly titrating to therapeutic response may be the most effective way to minimize associated adverse effects. Recognition and proper management of these possible adverse effects can optimize therapy and maximize the potential for successful outcomes with these agents while limiting drug noncompliance.
Phillips
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BB
Univ. of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242, USA. bethphillips@uiowa.edu
D020909:Acarbose; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008687:Metformin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014312:Trisaccharides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States