Acarbose Overview
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.
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Get A Second OpinionSide Effects Of Acarbose
Common Side Effects
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.
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Book an AppointmentWarnings
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 |
Some of the common side effects of Acarbose are:
|
Some common side effects of Pioglitazone are:
|
