title: Newer insights into the drug delivery approaches of α-glucosidase inhibitors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  α-Glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) are an important category of oral antidiabetic agents being extensively exploited for the effective management of type 2 diabetes and associated disorders. These drugs significantly reduce the postprandial rise in glycemic and plasma insulin levels both in nondiabetics and in type 2 diabetic patients. Currently only three drugs belonging to this category, viz, acarbose, miglitol and voglibose are in the market. The major limitations associated with the administration of AGIs are the stringent repetitive dosing schedule at specified time intervals, along with a high incidence of gastrointestinal disturbances that mainly include flatulence, abdominal distension, borborygmus and diarrhea. All these factors tend to decrease patient compliance.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review focuses on the various formulation approaches being targeted for the effective delivery of AGIs, viz, unit matrix systems, bioadhesive pellets, hydrogels and lipid-based granules.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is concluded that development of a successful controlled-release delivery system for these drugs will obviate the need of repeated administration, which in turn will improve patient compliance.
authors.affiliation: University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
authors.forename: Ruchita V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Vivek Ranjan
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Sinha
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D004338:Drug Combinations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004343:Drug Implants; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005414:Flatulence / Q000139:chemically induced; D065089:Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D010349:Patient Compliance; D019518:Postprandial Period / Q000187:drug effects; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004343:Drug Implants; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D065089:Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D013607:Tablets