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Acarbose

Information about Acarbose

Acarbose Uses

Acarbose is used to control  blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Acarbose is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications
. It is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

How Acarbose works

Acarbose is an anti-diabetic medicine. It inhibits the intestinal enzymes responsible for breaking complex sugars into simple sugars such as glucose. This prevents blood glucose levels from rising very high immediately after meals.

Common side effects of Acarbose

Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Flatulence
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Betina Chandolia
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Shilpa Garcha
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
21 Feb 2020 | 06:49 AM (UTC)

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Expert advice for Acarbose

  • Acarbose is used together with other diabetes medicines to control blood sugar and avoid long-term complications.
  • You should continue to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and take your other diabetes medicines along with Acarbose.
  • Acarbose lowers your post-meal blood sugar levels. Therefore, it should be taken before meals.
  • Side effects such as stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea may occur during the first few weeks of treatment but should get better with time.

Frequently asked questions for Acarbose

Acarbose

Q. Does Acarbose cause hypoglycemia?

Acarbose does not cause hypoglycemia by itself though it has glucose-lowering effect. However, a fall of blood sugar levels in the hypoglycemic range may occur when given along with other antidiabetic medicines or insulin. If this occurs, consult your doctor who may modify your dose accordingly.

Q. Why does Acarbose cause flatulence?

Acarbose blocks the digestion of carbohydrates which causes accumulation of undigested carbohydrates in the colon. Bacterial fermentation of the accumulated carbohydrates causes intestinal gas, leading to flatulence and abdominal pain.

Q. Can Acarbose cause diarrhea?

Yes, diarrhea is a common side effect of Acarbose. However, this does not affect everybody. Any food containing carbohydrates, such as household sugar (cane sugar) can cause diarrhea and severe abdominal pain. If diarrhea persists or becomes severe, then contact your doctor immediately.

Q. When should Acarbose be taken?

Acarbose should be taken with your meals and should be swallowed whole with water or chewed with the first mouthful of food. The initial dose of Acarbose is generally twice daily. The dose is then gradually increased to thrice daily.

Q. What if I forget to take Acarbose?

If you forget to take a dose of Acarbose, do not take the missed dose between meals. Wait for the scheduled dose and meal and continue taking your tablets as prescribed. Do not take the dose twice to make up for your forgotten tablets.

Q. What will happen if more than the recommended dose of Acarbose is taken?

If you take more than the recommended dose of Acarbose then it may cause temporary increase in flatulence (accumulation of gas), diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. It is advised to avoid meals or drinks containing carbohydrates for the next 4-6 hours.

Q. Who should not take Acarbose?

Acarbose should be avoided by patients who are allergic to it, have severe liver disease, or have inflammation or ulceration of intestine (eg Crohn’s disease). The use of Acarbose should also be restricted in patients who have an intestinal obstruction (cramping pain, vomiting, obstipation, and lack of flatus). In addition, patients who have a large hernia or an intestinal disease where food is not digested or absorbed properly should avoid Acarbose. Along with that, Acarbose should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q. What will happen if more than the recommended dose of Acarbose is taken?

If you take more than the recommended dose of Acarbose then it may cause temporary increase in flatulence (accumulation of gas), diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. It is advised to avoid meals or drinks containing carbohydrates for the next 4-6 hours.

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