Uses
What is acarbose used for?
Acarbose is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Acarbose may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does acarbose work (mechanism of action)?
Acarbose works in the small intestine to block the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), the sugar that your body can absorb. It slows the absorption of sugar from your small intestines.
How is acarbose supplied (dosage forms)?
Acarbose is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 25 mg oral tablets
- 50 mg oral tablets
- 100 mg oral tablets
How should I store acarbose?
Acarbose oral tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of acarbose?
The most common side effects of acarbose are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Gas
There may be other side effects of acarbose that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of acarbose?
While less common, the most serious side effects of acarbose are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Acarbose may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking acarbose and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Acarbose can cause low blood sugar when used with other medicines for diabetes. Hypoglycemia can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Do not use acarbose and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Seizures
Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (air trapped in the walls of the small or large intestine) is rare, but can happen in people who take acarbose. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Severe diarrhea
- Mucus discharge or bleeding from your anus (butt hole)
- Constipation
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use acarbose?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take acarbose.
- Precose
- Acarbose
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific acarbose products they stock.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). People with DKA should not take acarbose.
Cirrhosis. People with cirrhosis should not take acarbose.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). People with IBD should not take acarbose.
Colonic Ulceration. People with ulcers in the lining of the large intestine should take acarbose.
Intestinal Obstruction. People with a partial blockage, blockage, or may be prone to a blockage in the small or large intestine should not use acarbose.
Chronic Intestinal Problems. People with long-term intestinal problems interfering with digestion or absorption or with intestinal problems that could get worse with increased gas should not use acarbose.
Kidney Problems. Acarbose should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.
What should I know about acarbose before using it?
Do not take acarbose unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share acarbose with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep acarbose out of the reach of children.
Take acarbose with the first bite of each meal (up to three times per day).
Acarbose has the biggest impact on your blood sugar levels after you eat or drink, not on your fasting (before you have had anything to eat or drink) blood sugar levels.
Certain conditions that cause increased stress on your body, like fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery can change the amount of diabetes medicines you need to take to control your diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions to decide if your medicine needs to be changed.
Talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems. Traditional treatments for low blood sugar do not work if you are taking acarbose. Instead you will need to use things like dextrose, honey, or milk to treat low blood sugar levels.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using acarbose?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if acarbose is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Acarbose may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using acarbose, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how acarbose could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if acarbose passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop acarbose.
Interactions
Does acarbose interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between acarbose and food or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect acarbose, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effect of acarbose. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does acarbose interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking acarbose.
- Other medicines for diabetes, especially insulin or other medicines that increase your insulin levels, such as sulfonylureas
- Pancreatic enzymes that contain amylase or pancreatin, which are medicines used to help with digestion. Some examples include Creon, Zenpep, or Viokace.
Many other medicines can increase your blood sugar and can interfere with the effect of acarbose. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting or stopping other medicines while taking acarbose. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely during these times.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with acarbose. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much acarbose?
If you or someone else has used too much acarbose, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
You should not eat or drink things that contain carbohydrates for about four to six hours if you have taken too much acarbose.
What should I do if I miss a dose of acarbose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Acarbose?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.