Acarbose Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Pronunciation: (ah KAR bose)

Generic name: acarbose

Brand Names: Precose

Acarbose is used (with diet only or diet and other medications) to treat type 2 (noninsulin- dependent) diabetes (high blood sugar). It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors which also includes miglitol (Glyset). 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. Insulin is used by all the cells in your body to help turn the food you eat into energy. Inhibition of these enzyme systems reduces the rate of digestion of complex carbohydrates. This is done by using glucose (sugar) in the blood as quick energy. Acarbose also has important implications for the ageing process.Acarbose comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Acarbose can be used alone to treat type II diabetes or can be combined with sulfonylureas such as glyburide (Diabeta) or metformin (Glucophage) or with insulin. It is an inhibitor of alpha glucosidase , an enteric enzyme that releases glucose from larger carbohydrates. Acarbose may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Acarbose Dosage:

• The dose of acarbose will be different for different patients.
• There is no fixed dosage regimen for the management of diabetes mellitus with PRECOSE ® or any other pharmacologic agent.
• 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.
• Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• However, some patients may benefit from more gradual dose titration to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

Uses of Acarbose:

• Acarbose ( AY-car-bose) is used to treat a type of diabetes mellitus called type 2 diabetes.
• Acarbose works by slowing the action of certain chemicals that break down food to release glucose (sugar) into your blood.
• Acarbose is a linear tetrasaccharide of a - D -glucose residues modified at the non-reducing end.
• It is an inhibitor of alpha glucosidase , an enteric enzyme that releases glucose from larger carbohydrates.
• It can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines.

Side Effects of Acarbose:

The following side effects of Acarbose may includes:

• Shakiness.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth.
• Yellow eyes or skin. 
• Abdominal or stomach pain.
• Bloated feeling or passing of gas.
• Hunger.
• Clumsy or jerky movements.
• Diarrhea. 
• Flatulence.
• Nervousness or irritability.
• Headache.
• An increase in liver enzymes.

Warnings and precautions before taking Acarbose:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acarbose or any other drugs.
• Do not use Acarbose if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• Do not use Acarbose if you have or have ever had ketoacidosis, cirrhosis, or intestinal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or bowel obstruction.
• Travel-Keep a recent prescription and your medical history with you. Be prepared for an emergency as you would normally.
• Do not use Acarbose if you have any liver or kidney conditions.
• Do not let anyone else take your medication.
• Do not take other medicines during the time you are taking acarbose unless they have been discussed with your doctor.

Drug Interaction:

Certain drugs tend to produce hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of blood glucose control. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Precose with the following:

• Airway-opening drugs such as Proventil
• Calcium channel blockers (heart and blood pressure medications such as Cardizem and Procardia)
• Major tranquilizers such as Compazine and Mellaril
• Water pills (diuretics) such as HydroDIURIL, Enduron, Moduretic
• Estrogens such as Premarin
• Digestive enzyme preparations such as Creon 20 and Donnazyme
• Thyroid medications such as Synthroid and Thyrolar

Overdosage:

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

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