Acarbose: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Precautions

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.

Uses of Acarbose Tablet

Acarbose tablet is primarily used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It slows the digestion of carbohydrates in the intestines, preventing sharp spikes in blood glucose after meals.

Conditions Acarbose is Used to Treat

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.

Secondary Uses of Acarbose

• Prediabetes: Sometimes prescribed to prevent progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): In some cases, it is used off-label to improve insulin sensitivity.
• Dumping Syndrome: May help reduce symptoms by slowing carbohydrate absorption.

How Does Acarbose Work?

The acarbose mechanism of action involves slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates in your intestines. Acarbose blocks enzymes called alpha-glucosidases in the small intestine, which normally break down complex carbs (like bread or rice) into sugars.

Because these enzymes are blocked, sugar from food is absorbed more slowly. This helps prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar after meals, which is especially helpful for people with type 2 diabetes.

Dosage of Acarbose Tablet

• 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).

What Should I Do If I Miss a 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.

What happens if an Overdose?

An acarbose overdose typically doesn't cause severe low blood sugar on its own, especially if no other diabetes medicines are involved. However, it can lead to digestive discomfort.

Symptoms of Acarbose Overdose:

• Severe bloating
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Gas (flatulence)
• Diarrhea

Consult your healthcare provider before taking medication. Immediate medical attention is required if an overdose is suspected.

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 and Warnings of Acarbose

Who Should Avoid Acarbose

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Use only if clearly needed and prescribed.
• Children: Safety in individuals under 18 is not well-established.
• People with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or intestinal obstruction should avoid Acarbose, as it may worsen these conditions.

Use Acarbose with Caution If You Have

• 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.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Acarbose?

Yes, acarbose is generally not recommended for children under 18 years old, as its safety and effectiveness in this group have not been established.

Alcohol and Food Interactions

• Alcohol: May increase the risk of low blood sugar, especially if taken with other diabetes medications.
• Food: Acarbose should be taken with the first bite of a meal to be effective. Avoid foods high in simple sugars (like table sugar), as they may cause digestive discomfort.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

How Acarbose May Interact with Other Drugs?

Acarbose may interact with several medications, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing side effects:

• Diabetes medications (insulin, sulfonylureas, metformin): May increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Digestive enzyme supplements (e.g., amylase, pancreatin): May reduce the effectiveness of acarbose by breaking down carbohydrates too early.
• Diuretics, corticosteroids, thyroid medicines, or birth control pills: These may raise blood sugar levels, making acarbose less effective.

Interaction with Supplements and Herbal Products

• Herbal products for diabetes (like bitter melon, ginseng, or fenugreek): May increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with acarbose.
• Iron supplements: Should be used cautiously, especially in people with pre-existing gastrointestinal issues, as acarbose can worsen stomach discomfort.
• Fiber-rich supplements (like psyllium) may affect the absorption and action of acarbose.

How Should Acarbose Be Stored?

Recommended Storage Temperature for Acarbose

Store at controlled room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Storage Tips:

• Keep the medicine in a dry place, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
  
  
• Do not store it in bathrooms or near sinks.
• Always keep it in its original packaging and out of reach of children and pets.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Avoid exposure to heat, air, and light.

What Happens If Acarbose Is Not Stored Properly?

If acarbose is not stored properly, such as being exposed to heat, moisture, or direct sunlight, it may lose its effectiveness. Improper storage can lead to:

• Reduced potency, making it less effective at controlling blood sugar.
• Possible degradation, which may change the medicine's chemical structure.
• Increased risk of side effects if the medicine breaks down improperly.

References

Acarbose - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Acarbose - National Centre for Biotechnology Information