What is Acarbose
Acarbose is a prescription medication which comes in the form of tablets. The medication is available in the form of a brand-name called Precose. This is available in the generic version. Acarbose is used for controlling blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes in conjunction with diet, exercise and other diabetic drugs. This belongs to the class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors that also includes miglitol.
Acarbose Uses
Acarbose medications are used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. This helps in lowering the blood sugar together with diet and exercise. Mainly, Acarbose tablets are used with oral tablets and in conjunction with diet and exercise for reducing the blood sugar in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Acarbose can be taken as a single dose or else it can be also taken with the combination of sulfonylureas such as glyburide or metformin or with some insulin. Acarbose works by slowing down the action of some chemicals which break down food to release glucose into the blood. Slowing food digestion helps in keeping the blood glucose from rising very high after having meals.
Acarbose Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Acarbose are:
- Shakiness
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Hunger
- Jerky movements
Some of the serious side effects of Acarbose are:
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Shortness in breathing
- Decreased consciousness
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Acarbose if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Acarbose side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Acarbose talk to your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications that can cause some serious side effects. The product may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction and some serious health issues.
Before using the medication talk with your doctor about medical history such as:
- Intense/ bowel problems
- Kidney problems
- Liver disease
How to take Acarbose?
Acarbose is usually taken by mouth. Acarbose tablets should be taken 3 times a day. It’s very important to take each dose with the first bite of every meal. Follow the direction written on the prescription label. Take Acarbose as directed by the physician.
Dosage
Generic: Acarbose (tablet- 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
Brand: Precose (tablet - 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Acarbose won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Acarbose tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how the Acarbose tablets are working and can increase the risk of serious side effects. The document does not contain any possible drug interactions. Keep the list of all the products that you use and share it with the doctor.
Many drugs can affect your blood sugar level, making it difficult to control it. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how the medicine can affect your blood sugar level.
Warnings for some serious health conditions
For people with diabetic ketoacidosis
Do not take this medicine if you have diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition that can lead to loss of consciousness and potentially death. Symptoms of this condition develop slowly. They include dry mouth or very thirsty, high blood sugar levels, and frequent urination. If you start vomiting and suspect you have this condition, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately. This condition can be life-threatening within a few hours once you are vomiting.
For people with cirrhosis or liver disease
Do not take acarbose if you have cirrhosis or severe liver disease.
For people with intestinal diseases
If you have certain intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulceration of the colon or partial intestinal obstruction, or if you are predisposed to intestinal obstruction, you should not take acarbose.
For people taking insulin or a sulfonylurea
When acarbose is taken with these other medications, it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs of hypoglycemia can include fast heart rate, confusion, hunger, sweating, shaking, or feeling weak and dizzy. Cane sugar (sucrose) will not work to treat your hypoglycemia while you are taking acarbose. Instead, use oral glucose (dextrose) products.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Acarbose consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Acarbose rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Acarbose.
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 |
Some of the common side effects of Acarbose are:
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Some common side effects of Pioglitazone are:
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