What is Acarbose?
Acarbose is a prescription medicine that helps to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Acarbose tablets are given along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
Acarbose is sold under the brand name Precose. After a doctor’s prescription, you can buy this medicine from licensed pharmacies.
How does Acarbose work?
Acarbose tablets belong to a class of medicines known as anti-diabetic drugs. It works by inhibiting the intestinal enzymes which break down complex sugars into simple sugars like glucose.
This further prevents blood glucose levels from rising very high after having meals.
How to take Acarbose?
Take Acarbose tablet by mouth mainly three times daily with the first bite of a meal or as the doctor prescribes.
Depending on your medical condition and age, the doctor will determine the correct dose and duration of treatment with Acarbose.
Swallow the Acarbose tablet with a glass of water, and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Your doctor can also recommend Acarbose with other diabetes medications to control blood sugar and prevent long-term complications.
What are the Side effects of Acarbose?
Following your doctor’s recommendation for the prescribed dosage can help to reduce the risk of severe side effects.
Some common side effects of Acarbose tablets include:
- Flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Bloating
Get emergency medical help if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
What are the Drug interactions for Acarbose?
Let the doctor know about all other herbal supplements and prescription & non-prescription medicines you take to avoid drug interactions.
You should not take the following medicines with Acarbose tablets:
- Aspirin low strength
- Lantus
- Januvia
- Miglitol
- Nexium
- Glipizide
What are the Precautions and warnings for Acarbose?
Do not use Acarbose tablets if you are allergic to it or you suffer from :
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- A blockage in your intestines
- Intestinal ulcer
- A digestive disorder that affects your intestines
Extremely low or high blood sugar levels can cause blurred vision, drowsiness, and dizziness. So, avoid indulging in activities that demand attention, like driving or operating heavy machines.
Before starting treatment with Acarbose, inform the doctor about your medical history, especially of:
- Stomach problems
- Kidney diseases
- Bowel or intestinal disorder
- Liver diseases
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should take Acarbose tablets only when the doctor recommends.
Frequently asked questions about Acarbose (FAQs)
Can Acarbose cause hypoglycemia?
Acarbose tablet does not cause hypoglycemia by itself, though it has a glucose-lowering effect. However, blood sugar levels might fall when Acarbose is given with other anti-diabetic medications or insulin.
What if you miss a dose of the Acarbose tablet?
If you miss a dose of the Acarbose tablet, do not take the missed dose between meals. Wait for the scheduled dose and meal, then continue taking the medicine as the doctor prescribes.
How to store Acarbose tablets?
You can store Acarbose tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children.
