Gluco-A 50

Acarbose is an oral antidiabetic drug used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to lower postprandial blood glucose in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus by delaying carbohydrate absorption.

Indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Alpha-Glucosidase inhibitor

Oral Antidiabetic Agent / Anti-hyperglycemic

Acarbose reversibly inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidases and pancreatic alpha-amylase, delaying the digestion and absorption of complex carbohydrates, thereby reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes without increasing insulin secretion.

Competitive inhibition of intestinal brush-border alpha-glucosidases prevents the breakdown of disaccharides and oligosaccharides into absorbable monosaccharides.

Initial: 25 mg orally three times daily with the first bite of each main meal. Maintenance: Titrate at 4-8 week intervals up to 50 mg to 100 mg three times daily based on postprandial glucose and tolerance.

Administer orally at the start (with the first bite) of each main meal.

Skip the missed dose if the meal is completed, as it only works when taken with food. Take the prescribed dose with the next main meal.

Flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, and nausea, which usually diminish over time as therapy continues.

Does not cause hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy. However, when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin, hypoglycemia may occur. Mild to moderate hypoglycemia must be treated with oral dextrose (glucose) rather than sucrose.

Contraindicated in diabetic ketoacidosis, cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, partial or predisposing intestinal obstruction, and chronic intestinal diseases with marked disorders of digestion/absorption.

Thiazides, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, and calcium channel blockers may cause loss of glycemic control. Sulfonylureas and insulin increase hypoglycemia risk.

High-carbohydrate meals increase gastrointestinal side effects like flatulence and diarrhea.

Pregnancy Category B. Safety in pregnant women has not been established; use only if clearly needed.

Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

It is not known if acarbose is excreted in human milk. Administration to nursing mothers is not recommended.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

No overall differences in safety and effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients.

Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (serum creatinine > 2.0 mg/dL) and hepatic cirrhosis.

Overdose does not cause hypoglycemia but increases flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Avoid carbohydrate-containing meals/drinks for 4–6 hours.

Store below 25°C. Protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Acarbose (C25H43NO18)

Question: When should Acarbose be taken? Answer: It must be taken at the very beginning of a meal, with the first bite. Question: How should hypoglycemia be treated while taking Acarbose? Answer: Treat low blood sugar with pure dextrose (glucose) instead of regular table sugar (sucrose), as Acarbose delays sucrose absorption.