Acarbose

Acarbose is used (with diet only or diet and other medications) to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) . 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.

Acarbose comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually 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.

<p>When used in combination with insulin or other medications used to treat diabetes, acarbose may cause excessive lowering of blood sugar levels.</p> <p>If you have any of these symptoms, glucose products (Insta-Glucose or B-D Glucose tablets) should be used and you should call your doctor. Because acarbose blocks the breakdown of table sugar and other complex sugars, fruit juice or other products containing these sugars will not help to increase blood sugar. It is important that you and other members of your household understand this difference between acarbose and other medications used to treat diabetes.
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shakiness</li>
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dizziness or lightheadedness</li>
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sweating </li>
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nervousness or irritability</li>
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sudden changes in behavior or mood</li>
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headache</li>
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numbness or tingling around the mouth</li>
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weakness</li>
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pale skin </li>
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hunger</li>
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clumsy or jerky movements</li></ul>If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop. Be sure that your family, friends, and other people who spend time with you know that if you have any of the following symptoms, they should get medical treatment for you immediately.
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confusion</li>
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seizures</li>
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loss of consciousness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p>

Before taking acarbose, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acarbose or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medications for diabetes, digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water pills'), estrogens, isoniazid, medications for high blood pressure or colds, oral contraceptives, pancreatic enzymes, phenytoin (Dilantin), steroids, thyroid medications, and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ketoacidosis, cirrhosis, or intestinal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or bowel obstruction. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking acarbose.

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.