Effect of Acarbose on the Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of Metronidazole in Healthy and Diabetic Subjects

Although drug interactions with Acarbose are uncommon, there is a possibility for interference with the pharmacokinetic behaviors of concomitantly administered drugs. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible drug interactions between Acarbose and orally administered MTZ. Twelve healthy volunteers and twelve diabetic patients were enrolled in a randomized controlled crossover study. The effect of Acarbose (single 100mg dose) on the pharmacokinetics of MTZ was evaluated, while the effect of multiple doses was evaluated only in diabetic patients. In both groups, 5ml blood samples were collected into plane tubes at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 12.0, 24.0 and 48.0 hrs; serum levels of MTZ were evaluated using HPLC technique. The results showed that diabetes mellitus significantly altered the pharmacokinetic parameters of orally administered MTZ compared to healthy subjects. Moreover, both single and multiple doses of Acarbose significantly changed the pharmacokinetic parameters of MTZ when used concomitantly. The pharmacokinetics of orally administered MTZ was significantly affected by both diabetes mellitus and concomitant use of single or multiple doses of Acarbose.