Acarbose

Brand Names

Precose

General Information

Acarbose is an anti-diabetic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and, in some countries, prediabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors which also includes miglitol. It mainly influences the level of blood sugar after eating. This decreases the amount of sugar that passes into the blood after a meal and prevents periods of hyperglycemia. Acarbose also has important implications for the ageing process. Acarbose comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is an inhibitor of alpha glucosidase, an enteric enzyme that releases glucose from larger carbohydrates. Acarbose delays the digestion of carbohydrates (forms of sugar) in the body. This decreases the amount of sugar that passes into the blood after a meal and prevents periods of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Acarbose may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. Acarbose comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day. It is very important to take each dose with the first bite of each main meal. Acarbose may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. Acarbose lowers your blood sugar by preventing the breakdown of starch into sugar. It may be used alone or in combination with another type of oral diabetes medicine called a sulfonylurea.

Acarbose Dosage

The dose of acarbose will be different for different patients.
At first the dose is 25 milligrams (mg) three times a day, at the start of each main meal. Your dose may then be adjusted by your doctor.
However, some patients may benefit from more gradual dose titration to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Side Effects of Acarbose

The following side effects of Acarbose may includes:

Lightheadedness.
Yellow eyes or skin.
Abdominal or stomach pain.
Diarrhea.
An increase in liver enzymes.
Clumsy or jerky movements.
Numbness or tingling around the mouth.

Warnings and precautions before taking Acarbose

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acarbose or any other drugs.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Do not use Acarbose if you have any liver or kidney conditions.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking acarbose, call your doctor.
Do not take other medicines during the time you are taking acarbose unless they have been discussed with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ketoacidosis, cirrhosis, or intestinal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or bowel obstruction.

Overdosage

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an overdose are unknown, but stomach pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea might be expected.

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