Volume :
2
Issue :
1
Abstract :
α- glucosidase inhibitors are oral anti-diabetic drugs. These drugs are competitive inhibitors of the intestinal α- glucosidases and reduce post meal excursions by delaying digestion and absorption of starch and disaccharides. Their mechanism of action being limited to the intestinal brush border membrane, and owing to their structural features, they have limited systemic bioavailability, due to which they have much reduced side-effect profile compared to contemporary anti hyperglycemic drugs. Therefore, in the present investigation, an attempt will be made to develop mucoadhesive microspheres of α-glucosidase inhibitor (Miglitol) to enhance the bio- availability and to further reduce the dose and frequency of administration. Microspheres form an important part of novel drug delivery systems. They have carried applications and are prepared using assorted polymers. However, the success of these microspheres is limited owing to their short residence time at the site of absorption. It would therefore be advantageous to have means for providing an intimate contact of the drug delivery system with the absorbing membranes. This can be achieved by coupling bioadhesion characteristics to microspheres and developing bioadhesive microspheres. Bioadhesive microspheres have advantages such as efficient absorption and enhanced bioavailability of drugs owing to a high surface-to-volume ratio a much more intimate contact with the mucus layer and specific targeting of drugs to the absorption site.