Acarbose Indication.
For treatment and management of diabetes type II (used in combination therapy as a second or third line agent)
Acarbose Contraindications.
Acarbose is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug and in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or cirrhosis. Acarbose R is also contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, partial intestinal obstruction or in patients predisposed to intestinal obstruction. In addition, Acarbose R is contraindicated in patients who have chronic intestinal diseases associated with marked disorders of digestion or absorption and in patients who have conditions that may deteriorate as a result of increased gas formation in the intestine.
Acarbose Prescription.
Acarbose is prescribed (with diet only or diet and other prescription) to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) . Acarbose works by slowing the action of certain chemicals that break down food to release glucose (sugar) into your blood. Slowing food digestion helps keep blood glucose from rising very high after meals.
An inhibitor of alpha glucosidase that retards the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine and hence reduces the increase in blood-glucose concentrations after a carbohydrate load. It is given orally to non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients where diet modification or oral hypoglycemic agents do not control their condition. (From Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 31st ed)
How should Acarbose be used?
Acarbose comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day. It is very important to take each dose with the first bite of each main meal.
Used to reduce blood gluose in patients with type 2 diabetes. Acarbose is a complex oligosaccharide that delays the digestion of ingested carbohydrates, thereby resulting in a smaller rise in blood glucose concentration following meals. Acarbose binds to and inhibits alpha amylase and alpha-gluocside hydrolases. In diabetic patients, this enzyme inhibition results in a delayed glucose absorption and a lowering of postprandial hyperglycemia.
When used in combination with insulin or other prescription used to treat diabetes, acarbose may cause excessive lowering of blood sugar levels.
Acarbose side effects
If you have any of these symptoms, glucose products (Insta-Glucose or B-D Glucose tablets) should be used and you should call your doctor. Because acarbose blocks the breakdown of table sugar and other complex sugars, fruit juice or other products containing these sugars will not help to increase blood sugar. It is important that you and other members of your household understand this difference between acarbose and other prescription used to treat diabetes.
- clumsy or jerky movements;
- dizziness or lightheadedness;
- headache;
- hunger;
- nervousness or irritability;
- numbness or tingling around the mouth;
- pale skin;
- shakiness;
- sudden changes in behavior or mood;
- sweating;
- weakness;
If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop. Be sure that your family, friends, and other people who spend time with you know that if you have any of the following symptoms, they should get medical treatment for you immediately.
- confusion;
- loss of consciousness;
- seizures;
Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):
- blurred vision;
- extreme hunger;
- extreme thirst;
- frequent urination;
- weakness;
If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the these symptoms:
- breath that smells fruity;
- decreased consciousness;
- dry mouth;
- shortness of breath;
- upset stomach and vomiting;
