Acarbose

Uses of Acarbose

Acarbose slows the digestion of carbohydrates in the body, which helps control blood sugar levels.

Acarbose is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Acarbose is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications you take by mouth.

Precautions and Warnings

Chronic Intestinal Problems. People with long-term intestinal problems interfering with digestion or absorption or with intestinal problems that could get worse with increased gas should not use acarbose.

Kidney Problems. Acarbose should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

Talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems. Traditional treatments for low blood sugar do not work if you are taking acarbose. Instead you will need to use things like dextrose, honey, or milk to treat low blood sugar levels.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if acarbose is right for you.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Acarbose may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using acarbose, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how acarbose could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if acarbose passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop acarbose.

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2: Individualize dose based on efficacy and tolerability:
Initial dose: 25 mg orally 3 times a day
-Adjust dose at 4 to 8 week intervals based on efficacy and tolerability
Maintenance dose: 50 mg to 100 mg orally 3 times a day
Maximum dose: Weight 60 kg or less: 50 mg orally 3 times a day; Weight greater than 60 kg: 100 mg orally 3 times a day

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• stomach discomfort, gas, bloating;
• mild diarrhea; or
• mild skin rash or itching.