ACARBOSE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Precose

GENERIC NAME(S): ACARBOSE

 

Description: Acarbose is an inhibitor of pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal brush border α-glucosidases which results in delayed digestion and absorption of glucose.are absorbed and metabolised exclusively via GI tract. Excretion is via urine.

Acarbose is used in controlling blood sugar of patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, sexual function problems, heart attack or stroke.

How to use acarbose

  • Take by mouth, at the start (with the first bites) of each main meal or as directed by your doctor.
  • Do not take more than 300 milligrams per day. eat a proper diet, exercise regularly, and monitor blood sugar regularly.

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.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist your allergies, medical history, especially of kidney disease.

When your body is stressed (e.g., fever, infection, injury, or surgery, It may be harder to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor for any adjustments in your medications.

During pregnancy, use this drug only when clearly needed.

Alcohol during pregnancy causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (birth defects, growth retardation, and learning disabilities).

It is not yet known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

Get emergency medical help when overdose is suspected.

Missed Dose: As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage: Store medications in Room temperature. Do not expose to light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from pets and children. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour into a drain.

 

Brands

Available Brands

  • Glycovate [ Bal Pharma ]

Also marketed as

  • Glucobay [ Bayer ]

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