Acarbose is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, either in conjunction with diet and exercise alone or with other drugs. It treats the illness by reducing the activity of particular molecules that break down food and release glucose into the blood. This delay in food digestion helps avoid a sudden rise in blood sugar levels following meals. Managing the illness is essential since diabetes and high blood sugar can cause serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and vision problems.
This includes using prescription drugs, making lifestyle adjustments like diet and exercise, giving up smoking, and frequently checking blood sugar levels. This all-encompassing strategy can help manage diabetes, reduce the risk of complications like heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and nerve damage, and promote general health. People can learn the best methods for treating their diabetes by speaking with healthcare specialists.
How to Use it
Acarbose is available as an oral tablet. Typically, it is taken three times each day. Each dose should be taken with the first bite of each big meal. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Administer acarbose precisely as prescribed. Never take it in larger or smaller amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor. Acarbose should still be used even if you feel OK. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking acarbose.
Unique Precautions
Prior to ingesting acarbose,
- If you have any medicine or acarbose allergies, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
- Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know about all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking, especially oral contraceptives, pancreatic enzymes, digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics (also known as “water pills”), estrogens, isoniazid, and medications for high blood pressure or colds.
- Be sure to let your doctor know if you now or ever had cirrhosis, ketoacidosis, or any intestinal conditions including inflammatory bowel disease or bowel obstruction.
- Be sure to let your doctor know if you’re nursing a baby or expecting a baby. Call your doctor if you conceive while taking acarbose.
- Be sure to inform your doctor or dentist before any type of surgery, including dental surgery.
Particular Diet
Make sure to abide by all dietary and exercise advice given to you by your physician or nutritionist. It’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet. Blood sugar levels may drop as a result of alcohol. Inquire with your doctor if drinking alcohol is okay for you to do while taking acarbose.
Untaken Dose
If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. Take a dose together with the snack if you’ll be eating one soon. Skip the missed dose if the next one is almost due, and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.
Side Effects and Differences with Other Medications:
When used alongside diabetes treatments like insulin, acarbose can lead to significant drops in blood sugar levels. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, headache, and more. Unlike other diabetes medications, acarbose blocks sugar breakdown, rendering fruit juice ineffective for raising blood sugar. Recognizing these differences is crucial for individuals and their households to ensure timely action. Untreated low blood sugar can lead to severe symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Similarly, high blood sugar symptoms, including extreme thirst and blurred vision, require immediate medical attention to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis.
Storing Medicine Safely:
Store acarbose in its original container at room temperature, away from children and excess heat or moisture. Many medication containers are not child-resistant, so it’s essential to keep them out of sight and reach. For safe disposal of unneeded medication, consider medicine take-back programs to prevent accidental consumption by others.
Overdose Response:
In case of overdose, contact the poison control helpline. If the victim is in a critical condition, such as collapsed, having trouble breathing, or unresponsive, call emergency services at 911 immediately.
Additional Guidelines:
Attend all doctor appointments and necessary lab tests while taking acarbose. Regularly monitor blood or urine sugar levels as advised. Wear a diabetic identification bracelet for emergencies and avoid sharing your medication with others. Maintain a list of all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements, and carry it with you for doctor visits and emergencies.
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