Acarbose
From PharmDatabase.org
Generic name: Acarbose
Brand names: Precose
Related Medical Conditions: Diabetes, Hyperglycemia
Related Groups: Diet Pills
Contents |
What is Acarbose?
Acarbose is used (with diet only or diet and other medications) to treat type 2 (noninsulin- dependent) diabetes (high blood sugar). Acarbose works by slowing the action of certain chemicals that break down food to release glucose (sugar) into your blood. Slowing food digestion helps keep blood glucose from rising very high after meals. 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 Usage and Dosage
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. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acarbose exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
The dose of acarbose will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of acarbose. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For type 2 diabetes:
- Adults—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.
Acarbose Side Effects
Stop taking acarbose and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
No other serious side effects have been reported from the use of acarbose. Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual or especially bothersome side effects.
Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which include shaking; headache; sweating; pale, cool skin; fast heartbeats; drowsiness; dizziness; weakness; hunger; confusion; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; or difficulty concentrating. Carry a piece of non-dietetic, sugary hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Some gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort or pain is likely to be experienced. Diarrhea may also occur. These side effects usually lessen with time.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Other Drugs Interaction
Digestive-enzyme supplements such as pancreatin (amylase, protease, lipase) in products such as Arco-Lase, Cotazym, Donnazyme, Pancrease, Creon, Ku-Zyme, and others may decrease the effects of acarbose. These medications should not be taken at the same time as acarbose.
Before taking acarbose, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- a thiazide diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, others), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), and others;
- a steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and others;
- an estrogen (Premarin, Ogen, others) or an estrogen-containing birth control pill;
- a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan), and others;
- a thyroid medication (Synthroid, Levoxyl, others);
- phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek);
- a calcium channel blocker such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Isoptin), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), and others.
The drugs listed above do not necessarily affect the actions of acarbose directly, but they are known to affect blood sugar levels. Special monitoring may be necessary.
Acarbose Storage
Store acarbose at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
