Common Use

Acarbose helps control blood sugar levels by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates in the body. It is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and may be combined with insulin or other oral diabetes medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Dosage and Direction

Take Acarbose exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Typically, it should be taken with the first bite of a main meal unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Your dosage may need adjustment during illness, infection, or surgery. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication routine.

Precautions

Monitor your blood sugar to avoid hypoglycemia, especially if you skip meals, exercise intensely, consume alcohol, or experience stress. Recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar:

• Hunger, weakness, nausea, irritability, tremors
• Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision
• Confusion, trouble concentrating
• Sweating, fast heartbeat
• Seizure (convulsions)
• Fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal)

Keep a supply of oral glucose (dextrose) on hand. Note that candy or table sugar may not be as effective as dextrose in raising blood sugar quickly. Ensure family and friends know how to assist in an emergency. Acarbose is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Use it consistently and refill your prescription before running out.

Contraindications

Avoid alcohol while taking Acarbose, as it can lower blood sugar and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Also, avoid taking digestive enzymes like pancreatin, amylase, or lipase with Acarbose, as they may reduce its absorption. Examples of enzyme-containing products include Arco-Lase, Cotazym, Donnazyme, Pancrease, Creon, and Ku-Zyme.

Possible Side Effects

Seek emergency medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice liver-related symptoms, including:

• Low fever
• Nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite
• Dark urine, clay-colored stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

• Mild stomach pain, gas, bloating
• Diarrhea
• Mild skin rash or itching

Report any unusual or bothersome side effects to your doctor.

Drug Interaction

Acarbose may interact with other medications that raise blood sugar, increasing the risk of hyperglycemia. These include:

• Isoniazid
• Digoxin
• Niacin, nicotine patches or gum
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Steroids (prednisone and others)
• Phenothiazines (Compazine and others)
• Thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others)
• Birth control pills and other hormones
• Seizure medications (Dilantin and others)
• Cold or asthma medications
• Diet pills, stimulants, or ADHD medications
• Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, felodipine, nifedipine, verapamil, and others

This list is not exhaustive. Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Do not start new medications without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but ensure it is consumed with a meal. If more than 15 minutes have passed since starting your meal, Acarbose may be less effective. Do not take it between meals or double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose. Symptoms may include bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort. Avoid consuming carbohydrates for 4 to 6 hours after an overdose.

Storage

Store Acarbose at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and heat.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is general and does not cover all instructions, drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. We disclaim responsibility for any errors in the information or consequences of its use.