What is a known side effect of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose?

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, such as acarbose, are medications used to manage blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes by slowing carbohydrate absorption in the intestines. A notable side effect of these medications is gastrointestinal discomfort, specifically flatulence and bloating. This occurs because these drugs inhibit the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, leading to their fermentation by bacteria in the gut, producing gas as a byproduct.

The presence of undigested carbohydrates in the colon contributes to increased gas production and can lead to symptoms of flatulence and abdominal distension. These side effects are often dose-dependent, meaning that higher doses can lead to more pronounced symptoms. Managing diet and gradually increasing the dose of these medications can help minimize such gastrointestinal effects.

The other side effects listed, while they can occur with various medications, are not specifically associated with alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in the same way that flatulence and bloating are.