Final answer:
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects, including watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Serious side effects such as vomiting, intestinal obstruction, and allergic reactions can also occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common side effects of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, a class of medications used to manage type 2 diabetes, often relate to the gastrointestinal system. Patients may experience side effects such as watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, increased gas, and loss of appetite. Some individuals may experience more serious side effects, including vomiting, intestinal obstruction, anemia, allergic reactions, and in severe cases, malabsorption syndrome which can lead to dehydration. It's vital to monitor patients for these side effects and manage them appropriately to ensure the patient's well-being and continuation of the treatment regimen.