Acarbose (By mouth)

AY-kar-bose

Improves glycemic control in adults with diabetes.

Drug classes

Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Acarbose is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Normally, your pancreas releases insulin into the blood stream after you eat. Insulin is used by all the cells in your body to help turn the food you eat into energy. This is done by using glucose (sugar) in the blood as quick energy. When you have type 2 diabetes, insulin is still produced by your pancreas, but the amount of insulin produced may not be enough or your body may not be using it properly and you may still need more. Because of this, the insulin is not able to lower your blood sugar properly and you will have too much sugar in your blood. 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.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Take your medicine with the first bite of each main meal.

Missed dose: If you remember the missed dose while you are still eating or right after you finished your meal, take the dose right away. Otherwise, wait until your next main meal to take your medicine. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not take acarbose with medicines used to help digest food, such as amylase or pancreatin.

Some medicines can affect how acarbose works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

Digoxin, isoniazid, niacin, phenytoin A calcium channel blocker, cold or allergy medicine, diuretics (water pills), estrogen or birth control pills, phenothiazine medicines (such as promethazine, chlorpromazine), steroid medicine, thyroid medicine

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acarbose, or if you have cirrhosis or a bowel disorder such as colitis, Crohn disease, or a blockage in your bowel.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or any problems with your bowels.

You may need to keep glucose tablets or gel with you in case your blood sugar level becomes too low. Table sugar may not work as well, because acarbose keeps your body from absorbing regular sugar quickly.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Gas, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Precose

There may be other brand names for this medicine.