Acarbose is a prescription medication used to control blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It is available as tablets under the brand name Precose and in generic form. Acarbose belongs to the class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which also includes miglitol.
Acarbose Uses
Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes:
Lowers blood sugar in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Can be combined with other diabetic medications like sulfonylureas (e.g: glyburide), metformin, or insulin.
Works by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates, preventing a rapid rise in blood glucose after meals.
Side Effects Of Acarbose
Common Side Effects
Shakiness
Dizziness
Sweating
Nervousness
Headaches
Numbness
Weakness
Pale skin
Hunger
Jerky movements
Serious Side Effects
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Shortness of breath
Decreased consciousness
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects.
Precautions Before Taking Acarbose
Before taking Acarbose, inform your doctor if you have:
Allergies to Acarbose or other medications.
Intestinal or bowel problems.
Kidney problems.
Liver disease.
How to Take Acarbose
Dosage: Typically taken three times a day with the first bite of each meal.
Forms: Available in tablet form (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg).
Missed Dose
Missing one or two doses usually does not cause harm. Take the missed dose as soon as possible, but do not double up doses.
Overdose
Overdose can be accidental and may cause harmful effects. Seek medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected.
Interactions
Acarbose may interact with other drugs, affecting blood sugar control. Share a list of all medications with your doctor.
Warnings
For People with Specific Conditions
Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Do not take Acarbose if you have diabetic ketoacidosis.
Liver Disease: Not recommended for people with cirrhosis or severe liver disease.
Intestinal Diseases: Avoid if you have inflammatory bowel disease, ulceration of the colon, or intestinal obstruction.
Insulin or Sulfonylurea Users: Increased risk of hypoglycemia. Use oral glucose products (dextrose) for hypoglycemia, as cane sugar (sucrose) will not be effective.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Keep out of reach of children.
Avoid exposure to heat, air, and light.
Additional Information
Consult your doctor before taking Acarbose.
Carry medications while traveling to handle any immediate emergencies.
Follow your prescription and doctor’s advice.
Acarbose vs Pioglatozone
Acarbose
Pioglitazone
Acarbose is a prescription medication which comes in the form of tablets. The medication is available in the form of brand- name called Precose. This is available in the generic version.
Pioglitazone is a prescription drug. This comes in the form of an immediate-release tablet and oral extended-release tablet. This is available in the brand- name drug called Actoplus Met and Actoplus Met XR
Acarbose medications are used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. This helps in lowering the blood sugar together with diet and exercise.
Pioglitazone is used for improving the blood sugar control; in adults who are having Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The medication is not used for treating type 1 diabetes
