Other Brands/Names

Current brands containing acarbose include Acarbose, Acrios, Eclid, Glubose, Glucobay, Capribose, Carbotrap, and Ditrium.

How It Works

Acarbose is an antihyperglycemic medicine commonly used by people with diabetes mellitus. It works by inhibiting specific enzymes in the small intestine and pancreas, which slows the breakdown of complex carbohydrates (such as bread, rice, and pasta) and reduces glucose absorption from food. As a result, post-prandial blood sugar levels are lower and overall fluctuations in blood glucose are reduced.

Indications

This medicine is prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Contraindication

Acarbose should not be used in people with the following conditions:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis)

• Other intestinal disorders that affect digestion or nutrient absorption

• Liver disease or hepatic dysfunction

• Kidney failure

• Hernia

Side Effects

Adverse effects are generally uncommon. However, some people may experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, allergic skin reactions such as red spots or hives, yellowing of the skin, and abnormal liver function tests.

Types

Available forms of acarbose include 50 mg and 100 mg tablets.

Dosage

Adult dosage:

25–50 mg three times daily. Typically, therapy begins with 25 mg once daily to minimize gastrointestinal effects, then is gradually increased to 25–50 mg three times daily. After 4–8 weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased further if needed at the physician’s discretion, depending on patient tolerance. It is recommended to take this medicine with the main meal.

Safety

Pregnancy:

This medicine is FDA Category B (animal studies have not shown fetal harm, and adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women are lacking), so its use should be considered carefully. It is generally regarded as safe during pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

Blood sugar–lowering medicines (sulfonylureas)

Concurrent use of acarbose with sulfonylureas class of antihyperglycemia medications, such as glibenclamide or glimepiride, may increase the risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. Therefore, combined therapy of acarbose and sulfonylureas requires medical supervision.

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