Acarbose Tablets IP

Acarbose Tablets IP

Acarbose is a type of anti-diabetic medication known as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in patients whose blood glucose is not manageable with diet and exercise alone. Acarbose can either be prescribed as a single medication or concomitantly with other drugs. Type 2 diabetes is a non-curable (chronic) illness related to how our body metabolizes glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not make enough insulin, or the body is unable to use the insulin that is made (insulin resistance). Middle-aged and older adults are most susceptible to type 2 diabetes; hence, it is called adult-onset diabetes.

Acarbose has ‘Acarbose’ which acts by preventing the activity of intestinal enzymes which degrade complicated sugars and starches into simple sugars. Thus, slowing down sugar from being absorbed into the bloodstream and lowering the excessive increase in blood sugar levels after eating.

Benefits:

• Acarbose is an anti-diabetic medication that is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, particularly in those patients whose blood glucose levels cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone.
• Acarbose can be used alone or together with other medications.
• Acarbose prevents the activity of intestinal enzymes that digest complex carbohydrates and starches into simple carbohydrates.
• This medication maintains blood sugar under control so that there will not be any other diabetes complications, for example, eye disorders, kidney damage, damage to the eyes, and loss of limbs.

Uses:

• Acarbose is indicated for use in type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is given together with diet and exercise to enhance blood sugar control in adults who have type 2 diabetes.
• It works by blocking the action of intestinal enzymes that break down complex sugars into simple sugars like glucose.
• This blocks the increase in blood glucose levels a little after eating meals.

Directions to take:

• Read all instructions thoroughly before taking this medicine.
• Take this medicine under the guidance of your health specialist.
• Swallow the entire tablet with a glass of water.
• Do not chew or split this medicine.
• Take this medicine in the correct dosage as advised by your doctor.

Storage:

Store this medicine in a dry and cool environment. Do not store this medicine out of children’s and pets’ reach. Do not show this medicine in front of direct sunlight.

Dosage:

Use this medication in the right dosage and at the same time each day as recommended by your doctor. Do not take a high dose of this drug; otherwise, it will be harmful to your body.

Side Effect:

• Gas (flatulence)
• Stomach discomfort
• Diarrhea

Precautions:

• Acarbose is prescribed alongside other diabetes medications to manage blood glucose and prevent long-term complications.
• You need to keep on exercising regularly, follow a healthy diet, and use other diabetes medications in addition to Acarbose.
• Acarbose reduces your after-meal blood sugar. Thus, it must be taken before meals.
• Stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea may develop during the initial weeks of treatment but should improve with time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q. Why does Acarbose cause flatulence?

Acarbose inhibits carbohydrate digestion which leads to the accumulation of undigested carbohydrates in the colon. Bacterial fermentation of the stored carbohydrates results in intestinal gas that leads to flatulence and abdominal pain.

Q. Will Acarbose lead to diarrhea?

Yes, diarrhea is the most frequent side effect of Acarbose. But this is not effective for everyone. Any carbohydrate food, like household sugar (cane sugar), will lead to diarrhea and stomachache. But if diarrhea is long-term or has become serious, then inform your physician immediately.