Acarbose

Acarbose is an antidiabetic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes . Acarbose functions to control blood sugar levels by slowing down the process of digestion of carbohydrates into simpler sugar compounds, thus helping to reduce blood sugar levels after eating.

To control diabetes, acarbose can be used together with other drugs, such as insulin , metformin, or glibenclamide. If blood sugar levels can be controlled, then diabetics can avoid diabetes complications, such as kidney failure, stroke , blindness, nerve damage, heart attacks, loss of balance, and impotence. This drug must be taken in accordance with a doctor’s prescription, and is not intended for diabetics aged 18 years and under.

Trademarks: Acrios, Acarbose, Capribose, Carbotrap, Ditrium, Glubose, Glucobay

About Acarbose

Warning:

• Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you suffer from kidney disorders, liver disorders, intestinal obstruction , impaired absorption of food, hernias, and intestinal inflammation such as ulcerative colicitis or Crohn’s disease .
• Use sweets or syrup if hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels are too low) while taking acarbose.
• Tell your doctor if you are using other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
• If an allergic reaction or overdose occurs after taking acarbose, see your doctor immediately.

Acarbose Dosage

The initial dose of acarbose for people with type 2 diabetes is 50 mg per day. Furthermore, the dose can be increased to 50 mg, 3 times a day. If the patient’s body responds well to treatment, in a minimum span of 6-8 weeks, the dose can be increased to 100-200 mg, 3 times a day.

Eating Acarbose d ith True

Follow the doctor’s advice and read the instructions listed on the medicine packaging, in taking acarbose. Do not change the dose of acarbose without the knowledge of the doctor. The dosage of the drug will be adjusted to the medical condition, body weight, and the patient’s response to treatment.

To get the maximum treatment effect, it is recommended to undergo a healthy diet, regular exercise, and regularly check blood sugar and urine levels to the doctor.

Acarbose is consumed while eating, which is with the first meal. If it is difficult to swallow the medicine as a whole, acarbose tablets may be chewed

Make sure there is enough time between one dose and the next. Try to take acarbose at the same time every day to maximize its effect.

For patients who forget to take acarbose, it is advisable to do so as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it’s close, ignore it and don’t double the dose.

Store the drug in a cool, dry place, and avoid direct exposure to sunlight, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Drug Interactions

The following are interactions that can occur if using acarbose along with other drugs:

• Increases the risk of acarbose side effects, if used with cholestyramine and neomycin.
• Increases the risk of hypoglycemia if used together with other antidiabetic drugs, such as glibenclamide .
• Reducing the effectiveness of acarbose if used together with digestive tract adsorbent drugs, such as activated carbon ( charcoal ) or digestive drugs (amylase and pancreatin).
• Inhibits the absorption of digoxin .

Recognize the Side Effects and Dangers of Acarbose

Side effects that may arise after taking acarbose are:

• Bloated
• Frequent bowel movements
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Liver disfunction
• Nausea and vomiting

Stop using the drug and see a doctor immediately if bruises arise on the body, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, jaundice , rashes or itching all over the body, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue, and difficulty breathing.