Miglitol

Miglitol

Miglitol (CAS No. 72432-03-2) is an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus by reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes. With a molecular formula of C₈H₁₇NO₅ and a purity of 98%, it appears as an off-white to light yellow crystalline powder.

Chemical and Physical Properties

• CAS Number: 72432-03-2
• Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₇NO₅
• Molecular Weight: 207.22 g/mol
• Melting Point: 144.0–148.0°C
• Boiling Point: 453.7°C at 760 mmHg
• Density: 1.458 g/cm³
• Optical Rotation: -7.0° to -9.0° (c=5 in H₂O)
• Refractivity: 1.598

Mechanism of Action

Miglitol inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidase enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into absorbable monosaccharides like glucose. By delaying carbohydrate digestion, it reduces post-meal blood glucose levels and improves glycemic control.

Applications

• Type 2 Diabetes Management: Used alongside diet and exercise to regulate blood sugar, particularly in patients unresponsive to dietary adjustments alone.
• Combination Therapy: Often prescribed with sulfonylureas or insulin for enhanced glycemic control.

Dosage and Administration

• Standard Dose: 25–100 mg taken orally three times daily, immediately before meals5.
• Forms: Available as 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets.

Storage

Store at 2–8°C for long-term stability.

Safety and Side Effects

• Common Adverse Effects: Flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (typically mild and transient).
• Hypoglycemia Risk: Low when used as monotherapy but possible when combined with other antidiabetic agents.
• Contraindications: Severe renal impairment or inflammatory bowel disease.

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption/Excretion: Minimally absorbed systemically; excreted unchanged via the kidneys.
• Special Populations: No dosage adjustments needed for elderly patients or those with mild-to-moderate renal/hepatic impairment.

In summary, Miglitol is a first-line or adjunct therapy for type 2 diabetes, offering targeted postprandial glucose control with a well-tolerated safety profile. Its molecular formula (C₈H₁₇NO₅) and pseudomonosaccharide structure make it distinct from other antidiabetic agents.

Citations:

1. https://www.tocris.com/products/miglitol_4985
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miglitol
3. https://pdb101.rcsb.org/global-health/diabetes-mellitus/drugs/alpha-glucosidase-inhibitors/drug/miglitol/miglitol
4. https://taylorandfrancis.com/knowledge/Medicine_and_healthcare/Pharmaceutical_medicine/Miglitol/
5. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00491
6. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Miglitol
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547878/
8. https://reference.medscape.com/drug/glyset-miglitol-342716