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Acarbose

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(ay' car bose)

Brand name(s): Prandase; Precose

Contents of this page:

Why is this medication prescribed?

Acarbose is used (with diet only or diet and other medications) to treat type 2 (noninsulin- dependent) diabetes (high blood sugar). Acarbose works by slowing the action of certain chemicals that break down food to release glucose (sugar) into your blood. Slowing food digestion helps keep blood glucose from rising very high after meals.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Acarbose comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times a day. It is very important to take each dose with the first bite of each main meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acarbose exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take acarbose even if you feel well. Do not stop taking acarbose without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking acarbose,

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet. Alcohol increases blood sugar; ask your doctor for information on how much is safe to drink.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If you will be having a snack soon, take a dose with the snack. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from acarbose are not common, they can occur. If you have any of these symptoms, eat glucose or dextrose to treat symptoms, [e.g., glucose tablets (B-D Glucose) or glucose gel (Glutose, Insta-Glucose, or Insulin Reaction)], NOT table sugar or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately; symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include:

If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately; symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:

If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to acarbose.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003


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The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.