Acarbose
Information about Acarbose
Acarbose uses
Acarbose is used to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Acarbose is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications
. It is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.How acarbose works
Acarbose is an anti-diabetic medicine. It inhibits the intestinal enzymes responsible for breaking complex sugars into simple sugars such as glucose. This prevents blood glucose levels from rising very high immediately after meals.
Common side effects of acarbose
Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Flatulence, Increased liver enzymes, Jaundice, Nausea, Vomiting, Dyspepsia, Edema (swelling), Liver injury
Available Medicine for Acarbose
Expert advice for Acarbose
- Acarbose is used together with other diabetes medicines to control blood sugar and avoid long-term complications.
- You should continue to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and take your other diabetes medicines along with Acarbose.
- Acarbose lowers your post-meal blood sugar levels. Therefore, it should be taken before meals.
- Side effects such as stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea may occur during the first few weeks of treatment but should get better with time.
Frequently asked questions for Acarbose
Acarbose
Q. Does Acarbose cause hypoglycemia?
Acarbose does not cause hypoglycemia by itself though it has glucose-lowering effect. However, a fall of blood sugar levels in the hypoglycemic range may occur when given along with other antidiabetic medicines or insulin. If this occurs, consult your doctor who may modify your dose accordingly.
Q. Why does Acarbose cause flatulence?
Acarbose blocks the digestion of carbohydrates which causes accumulation of undigested carbohydrates in the colon. Bacterial fermentation of the accumulated carbohydrates causes intestinal gas, leading to flatulence and abdominal pain.
Q. Can Acarbose cause diarrhea?
Yes, diarrhea is a common side effect of Acarbose. However, this does not affect everybody. Any food containing carbohydrates, such as household sugar (cane sugar) can cause diarrhea and severe abdominal pain. If diarrhea persists or becomes severe, then contact your doctor immediately.