Acarbose 100mg Tablets

Acarbose is an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. It competitively inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes (e.g., sucrase, maltase, glucoamylase, dextranase) in the brush border of the small intestine. This inhibition delays the digestion of complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, and disaccharides) into absorbable monosaccharides (glucose). The delayed absorption of glucose results in a lower and more prolonged postprandial blood glucose rise.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can occur when this medication is used with other diabetes medications. Symptoms may include:
+ Dizziness
+ Headache
+ Feeling sleepy or weak
+ Shaking
+ Fast heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Hunger
+ Sweating
Follow your doctor's instructions for managing low blood sugar, which may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or some fruit juices.
Liver problems, which have rarely occurred with this medication and can be fatal. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
+ Dark urine
+ Tiredness
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have mild ones. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help:

Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Gas

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have kidney disease, as this may affect how your body processes the medication.
* If you have any of the following health conditions:
+ Diabetic acidosis or other diabetic complications
+ Digestion problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease
+ Bowel blockage or an increased risk of bowel blockage
+ Liver disease
+ Malabsorption syndrome
+ Ulcers in the colon

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you experience low blood sugar, do not operate a vehicle, as this increases your risk of being involved in an accident.

Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. Additionally, have your blood work checked as recommended by your doctor, and discuss the results with them. Adhere to the diet and exercise plan outlined by your doctor to maintain optimal blood sugar control.

Be aware that stress, such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery, can make it more challenging to manage your blood sugar levels. Changes in physical activity, exercise, or diet can also impact your blood sugar control.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Therefore, it is crucial to inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.

• Intestinal adsorbents (e.g., charcoal): May reduce the effect of acarbose.
• Digestive enzyme preparations (e.g., amylase, pancreatin): May reduce the effect of acarbose.
• Thiazides, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blockers, and isoniazid: May cause hyperglycemia and reduce the glucose-lowering effect of acarbose.

• Symptoms of hypoglycemia (if used with sulfonylureas or insulin): sweating, tremor, dizziness, confusion, hunger.
• Gastrointestinal side effects: flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramping, bloating.
• Symptoms of liver injury: unusual fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.

Acarbose is Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Acarbose should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

It is not known whether acarbose is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for adverse effects in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Generally not recommended.

Safety and effectiveness of acarbose in pediatric patients (under 18 years of age) have not been established. Use is not recommended.

No specific dose adjustment is required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may have age-related decline in renal function, which should be assessed before initiating therapy and monitored periodically, as acarbose is contraindicated in severe renal impairment.

• Acarbose must be taken with the first bite of each main meal to be effective.
• It does not cause hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy, but can increase the risk when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
• If hypoglycemia occurs while on acarbose (especially with other antidiabetics), treat with pure glucose (dextrose), not sucrose (table sugar), as acarbose inhibits sucrose breakdown.
• Gastrointestinal side effects (flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort) are common, especially at the start of therapy or with dose increases, but often improve with continued use and dietary adjustments.
• Liver enzymes should be monitored periodically, especially during the first year of treatment.

• Metformin (Biguanide)
• Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glipizide, Glyburide, Glimepiride)
• Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) (e.g., Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone)
• DPP-4 Inhibitors (e.g., Sitagliptin, Saxagliptin)
• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (e.g., Liraglutide, Semaglutide)
• SGLT2 Inhibitors (e.g., Canagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin)
• Insulin
• Meglitinides (e.g., Repaglinide, Nateglinide)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.