Votab
Generic Name
Voglibose
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| votab 200 mg tablet | ৳ 90.00 | ৳ 900.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Voglibose is an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus by reducing postprandial blood glucose levels. It works by delaying the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Usually 0.2 mg to 0.3 mg taken orally three times a day, immediately before meals. Dosage may be adjusted based on efficacy and tolerability.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is usually required, but caution is advised due to potential renal impairment.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. Not recommended for severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Take the tablet orally, immediately before each main meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with a little water. Do not chew or crush the tablet.
Mechanism of Action
Voglibose competitively inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes (sucrase, maltase, glucoamylase, dextranase) in the brush border of the small intestine. This prevents the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into absorbable monosaccharides, thereby slowing glucose absorption and reducing postprandial hyperglycemia.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1-2 hours of administration with a meal.
Excretion
Mainly excreted via feces as unchanged drug. The small absorbed portion is eliminated renally.
Half life
Systemic half-life is very short (approximately 1-2 hours for the small absorbed fraction), but its local action persists for longer.
Absorption
Minimally absorbed systemically (less than 0.2% of the dose is absorbed). Acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract.
Metabolism
Not significantly metabolized by hepatic enzymes. Primarily acts locally and is excreted unchanged.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to voglibose or any excipients
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe infection, trauma, or major surgery
- Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, chronic intestinal disease with marked digestive or absorptive disorders, colonic ulceration, intestinal obstruction)
- Pregnancy and lactation (insufficient data)
Drug Interactions
Other oral hypoglycemics
Enhanced hypoglycemic effect.
Sulfonylureas and insulin
Increased risk of hypoglycemia when co-administered. Dose adjustment may be necessary.
Adsorbents (e.g., activated charcoal)
May reduce the effect of voglibose.
Digestive enzyme preparations (e.g., amylase, pancreatin)
May reduce the effect of voglibose.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose may lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects such as flatulence, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. Management is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage may be considered soon after acute ingestion.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to insufficient data on safety. Use only if potential benefits outweigh risks.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to voglibose or any excipients
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe infection, trauma, or major surgery
- Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, chronic intestinal disease with marked digestive or absorptive disorders, colonic ulceration, intestinal obstruction)
- Pregnancy and lactation (insufficient data)
Drug Interactions
Other oral hypoglycemics
Enhanced hypoglycemic effect.
Sulfonylureas and insulin
Increased risk of hypoglycemia when co-administered. Dose adjustment may be necessary.
Adsorbents (e.g., activated charcoal)
May reduce the effect of voglibose.
Digestive enzyme preparations (e.g., amylase, pancreatin)
May reduce the effect of voglibose.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose may lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects such as flatulence, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. Management is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage may be considered soon after acute ingestion.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to insufficient data on safety. Use only if potential benefits outweigh risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Available in pharmacies across Bangladesh and other countries where approved.
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA in Bangladesh, and regulatory bodies in other countries like Japan, India.
Patent Status
Off-patent (generic versions available)
Clinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated voglibose's efficacy in reducing postprandial glucose excursions in type 2 diabetes, both as monotherapy and in combination with other anti-diabetic agents.
Lab Monitoring
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels (fasting and postprandial)
- HbA1c levels
- Liver function tests (especially at the start of therapy and periodically thereafter)
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients to take this medication strictly as prescribed, immediately before meals.
- Counsel patients on dietary modifications and regular exercise as crucial components of diabetes management.
- Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia, especially if used with insulin or sulfonylureas. Educate patients on how to treat mild hypoglycemia.
- Regularly assess liver function, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic issues.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Voglibose immediately before meals.
- Follow your prescribed diet and exercise regimen.
- Be aware of symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to manage them if you are also taking sulfonylureas or insulin.
- Report any severe gastrointestinal side effects to your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, but only if it is immediately before a meal. If you remember after the meal, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Voglibose alone is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia, but if used with sulfonylureas or insulin, there is a risk of hypoglycemia, which could affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should be aware of their response to the drug before driving.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet appropriate for diabetes management.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Monitor blood sugar regularly at home.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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