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Acarbose is available as a 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg oral tablet.

Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that is used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. It temporarily blocks a protein called alpha-glucosidase, which slows down the digestion of carbohydrates in your gut. As a result, your body will absorb less sugar from the foods that you eat. And this leads to lower blood sugar levels after you eat.

Acarbose is typically given with a starting dose of 25 mg three times daily by mouth taken with the first bite with each main meal. The typical maintenance dose is 50 mg to 100 mg three times daily by mouth taken with the first bite with each main meal. Your provider will adjust your dose based on whether you’re having side effects and how well the medication is working to control your blood sugar levels.

Acarbose is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.

You should not use this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to the drug. Acarbose is contraindicated in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or cirrhosis. Acarbose is also contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, partial intestinal obstruction or in patients predisposed to intestinal obstruction.

In addition, Acarbose 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.

Common side effects of Acarbose:

• Excessive gas
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Serious side effects are rare with Acarbose.

The following medications may interact with Acarbose:

• Patients Receiving Sulfonylureas or Insulin: Sulfonylurea agents or insulin may cause hypoglycemia. Acarbose given in combination with a sulfonylurea or insulin may cause a further lowering of blood glucose and may increase the potential for hypoglycemia. If hypoglycemia occurs, appropriate adjustments in the dosage of these agents should be made
• Intestinal adsorbents (for example, charcoal) and digestive enzyme preparations containing carbohydrate-splitting enzymes (for example, amylase, pancreatin) may reduce the effect of Acarbose and should not be taken concomitantly
• Acarbose has been shown to change the bioavailability of digoxin when they are coadministered, which may require digoxin dose adjustment

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

It is not known if Acarbose will harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.

• Glucobay
• Precose