What is this medication for?
Acarbose is used to control
blood glucose for people with type 2 diabetes when diet, exercise, and
weight reduction have not controlled it well enough on their own. This
medication is often added to other diabetes medications when additional blood
glucose control is needed. It works by preventing the breakdown of starch into
sugar and helps to lower blood sugar levels after meals.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Precose® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult
dose of acarbose varies. The starting dose is 25 mg 3 times daily,
with a gradual increase in dose as needed to control blood glucose. The maximum
daily dose is 100 mg 3 times daily, taken with the first bite of a meal.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from
light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Acarbose should not
be used by anyone who:
- is
allergic to acarbose or any ingredients of the medication
- has
diabetic ketoacidosis (i.e. usually treated with insulin)
- has
cirrhosis (severe liver disease)
- has
inflammatory bowel disease or colonic ulceration
- has
partial intestinal (small bowel) blockage or is prone to this condition
- has
chronic intestinal diseases that interfere with digestion or absorption
- has a
condition that can be worsened by gas in the bowels (e.g., larger
hernias)
