Volibo
Generic Name
Voglibose
Manufacturer
USV Ltd.
Country
India
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| volibo 02 mg tablet | ৳ 6.00 | ৳ 60.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Voglibose is an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used to manage postprandial hyperglycemia (high blood sugar after meals) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
The usual adult dose is 0.2 mg orally, three times a day, immediately before each main meal. The dose may be increased to 0.3 mg three times a day if necessary. Maximum daily dose should not exceed 0.9 mg.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is usually required for elderly patients, but caution is advised due to potential for increased susceptibility to side effects.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. Lower doses may be considered, and close monitoring of renal function is recommended.
How to Take
Take Volibo tablet orally, immediately before each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Do not chew or crush the tablet; swallow it whole with water.
Mechanism of Action
Voglibose inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes (like sucrase, maltase, glucoamylase) in the brush border of the small intestine. This delays the digestion of complex carbohydrates into absorbable monosaccharides, leading to a slower and lower rise in postprandial blood glucose.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of action is within 1-2 hours of administration, coinciding with meal digestion.
Excretion
Mainly excreted unchanged in feces (over 90%) within 24 hours. A small fraction is excreted in urine.
Half life
Plasma half-life is very short, approximately 1-2 hours, due to minimal systemic absorption.
Absorption
Voglibose is poorly absorbed systemically (less than 0.2%). It acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized; primarily by intestinal bacteria. No significant hepatic metabolism.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to voglibose or any component of the tablet
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe infection, trauma, or major surgery
- Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Chronic diseases of the intestine associated with marked disorders of digestion or absorption
- Conditions that may worsen due to increased gas formation in the intestine (e.g., large hernia, intestinal obstruction, severe stenosis, ulcerations)
Drug Interactions
Cholestyramine
May reduce the absorption and efficacy of Voglibose.
Digestive Enzymes
May reduce the efficacy of Voglibose by interfering with its action.
Sulfonylureas/Insulin
Increased risk of hypoglycemia when used concomitantly. Dosage adjustment of sulfonylureas or insulin may be required.
Other Oral Hypoglycemics
Additive effects on blood glucose reduction.
Intestinal Adsorbents (e.g., activated charcoal)
May reduce the effect of Voglibose.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of Voglibose may result in increased gastrointestinal side effects such as flatulence, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. Symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Activated charcoal may be considered if taken recently.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Volibo should not be used during pregnancy or lactation unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus or infant. Animal studies have shown adverse effects. Consult your doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to voglibose or any component of the tablet
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe infection, trauma, or major surgery
- Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Chronic diseases of the intestine associated with marked disorders of digestion or absorption
- Conditions that may worsen due to increased gas formation in the intestine (e.g., large hernia, intestinal obstruction, severe stenosis, ulcerations)
Drug Interactions
Cholestyramine
May reduce the absorption and efficacy of Voglibose.
Digestive Enzymes
May reduce the efficacy of Voglibose by interfering with its action.
Sulfonylureas/Insulin
Increased risk of hypoglycemia when used concomitantly. Dosage adjustment of sulfonylureas or insulin may be required.
Other Oral Hypoglycemics
Additive effects on blood glucose reduction.
Intestinal Adsorbents (e.g., activated charcoal)
May reduce the effect of Voglibose.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of Voglibose may result in increased gastrointestinal side effects such as flatulence, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. Symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Activated charcoal may be considered if taken recently.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Volibo should not be used during pregnancy or lactation unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus or infant. Animal studies have shown adverse effects. Consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved (Japan, India, Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Off-patent
Clinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated Voglibose's efficacy in reducing postprandial glucose excursions and improving HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes. Studies have also shown its role in preventing the progression of impaired glucose tolerance.
Lab Monitoring
- Periodic monitoring of blood glucose levels (fasting and postprandial)
- HbA1c levels
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST) at regular intervals, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of taking Voglibose immediately before meals for optimal efficacy.
- Educate patients on distinguishing between hypoglycemic symptoms caused by Voglibose alone (rare) versus combination therapy.
- Advise patients that initial gastrointestinal side effects are common and often diminish with continued use.
- Consider liver function tests periodically, especially in susceptible individuals.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Volibo exactly as prescribed by your doctor, immediately before meals.
- Continue with your prescribed diet and exercise program.
- Be aware of potential gastrointestinal side effects and report any severe or persistent symptoms to your doctor.
- If you also take other anti-diabetic medications, be vigilant for symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it's still before the meal. If you remember after the meal, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Volibo generally does not cause hypoglycemia when used alone, therefore it is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if used in combination with other anti-diabetic agents (like insulin or sulfonylureas), there is a risk of hypoglycemia, which could impair driving ability. Be cautious and monitor your blood sugar.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet that is appropriate for managing diabetes, emphasizing complex carbohydrates and limiting simple sugars.
- Engage in regular physical activity as advised by your healthcare provider.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly as instructed by your doctor.
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