Overview
Acarbose is a pseudotetrasaccharide drug classified as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, primarily used in the management of type 2 diabetes. It works by competitively inhibiting enzymes in the small intestine that break down complex carbohydrates, thereby slowing glucose absorption and reducing postprandial blood sugar spikes. First approved in the 1990s, acarbose is marketed under brand names like Glucobay and Precose. It is derived from fermentation processes involving Actinoplanes bacteria. As a B2B chemical, it is supplied to pharmaceutical manufacturers for tablet formulation, with strict quality controls for potency and purity.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Acarbose appears as a white to off-white hygroscopic powder with a molecular weight of 645.6 g/mol. It decomposes at temperatures above 160°C without a distinct melting point. The compound is highly soluble in water and slightly soluble in methanol, making it suitable for oral dosage forms. Its stability is pH-dependent, with optimal storage at 2-8°C in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption. Analytical methods like HPLC are used to verify its purity, which typically exceeds 98% for pharmaceutical applications. The molecular structure includes multiple hydroxyl groups, contributing to its polar nature and enzyme-binding affinity.
Main Applications
The primary use of acarbose is as an oral antihyperglycemic agent for type 2 diabetes, often combined with diet/exercise or other medications like metformin. By delaying carbohydrate digestion, it mitigates post-meal glucose surges, reducing HbA1c levels by approximately 0.5-1%. In research, acarbose serves as a reference standard for studying alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition. Emerging studies explore its potential in prediabetes management and metabolic syndrome, though these applications remain off-label. Industrially, it is processed into 50-100 mg tablets or compounded with other antidiabetic agents.
Safety and Storage
Acarbose is generally safe but may cause flatulence, diarrhea, or abdominal pain due to undigested carbohydrates fermenting in the colon. Severe hypersensitivity reactions are rare. Workers handling the powder should use PPE (gloves, masks) to avoid inhalation or skin contact. Storage requires protection from light, humidity, and temperatures exceeding 25°C. Bulk quantities are typically packaged in double-layer polyethylene bags within fiber drums. Shelf life is 2-3 years when stored correctly. Disposal should follow local regulations for pharmaceutical waste to prevent environmental contamination.
B2B Procurement Guide
Pharmaceutical-grade acarbose is procured by manufacturers under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Key specifications include purity (≥98%), low heavy metal content (<10 ppm), and microbiological limits. Suppliers should provide Certificates of Analysis (CoA) and compliance with USP/EP monographs. Bulk prices range from $50-$100/kg, with discounts for orders exceeding 100 kg. Lead times vary by supplier location, with major producers in China, Germany, and India. Buyers must verify export licenses, stability data, and packaging integrity. Sample testing via third-party labs is recommended for new suppliers.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：有机原料、中间体、香精香料、催化剂、有机硅、表面活性剂
- 主营：磺酰胺、氧化铌、除醛剂、硅化镱、基硅油、成核剂、酞菁钴、甘氨酸铬、光学树脂、鼠李糖脂、甲磺酸铋、氧化亚铁、封端硅油、左旋乳酸)、六水氯化钇、己基磺酸盐、恩诺沙星钠、二聚季戊四醇、聚醚硫酸酯钠、恶唑啉交联剂、洗手凝胶增稠剂、生物活性玻璃粉、氰基丙烯酸乙酯、脱硫脱氢催化剂
- 主营：氯化钠、除味剂、聚乙烯胺、氯化十六吡啶、二羟醋酸、肌氨基酸、聚乙烯铵、米诺地尔、醋酸亚铁、一水肌酸、树苔浸膏、2-丁二醇、纳米勃姆石、花椒油树脂、醋酸氯己定、糊状叶绿素、无味子醇甲、三硬脂酸铝、聚乙烯亚胺、胡椒基丁醚、全氟三丁胺、5-甲氧基色胺、聚酰亚胺树脂、人造康酿克油、有机硅季铵盐
- 主营：甘氨酸、甘氨酰、胰酵素、啶粉葡糖苷酶、蒽甲酯、喹烯酮、黄蒿油、十五醛、碳酸镧、酰氨酸、芹菜酮、赖氨酸、980卡波、香气醇、百部酮、海蓝腈、高哌嗪、氯戊烷、苯二甲、姜黄素、三氮唑、雌三醇、溴氯苯、橙花素、纯吲哚、抗氧剂