Acarbose is associated with hepatotoxicity and has low toxicity by ingestion subcutaneous and

intravenous routes. A 360 mg/kg body weight dose in women over a 60-day period and given
intermittently in a number of separate and discrete doses can cause non-fatal toxic effect. Acarbose
competitively and reversibly inhibits the - glucosidase enzymes, glucoamylase, sucrase, maltase and
isomaltase, found in the small intestine and this delays hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates, it is unlikely
to produce hypoglycaemia in overdose but abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea may ocur