In the first few weeks of treatment, you may experience diarrhea, gas, upset stomach, constipation, or stomach pain as your body adjusts to this medication but usually improve with time.
Very serious yet rare side effects include:
• unusual tiredness
• persistent nausea/vomiting
• severe stomach/abdominal pain
• rectal bleeding
• yellowing eyes/skin
• dark urine
Acarbose may cause hypoglycemia if you do not consume enough calories from food or if you do unusually heavy exercise.
Hypoglycemia manifests with the following symptoms: cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, fast heartbeat, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands/feet, and hunger.
Take glucose tablets or gel, or drink a glass of orange juice to treat low blood sugar. Do not use table sugar.
Hyperglycemia on the other hand, manifests with the following symptoms: thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor.
If you experience these symptoms or In case of allergic reactions, consult your doctor immediately.