Generic name: Acarbose
Brand name:
ACRO ( Mass pharma)
GLUCOBAY ( Bayer oakistan)
Class: Blood glucose lowering drugs , Alpha GLucosidase
inhibitor
Dosage form:
Tab 50 mg , 100 mg
Indication: Diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by
diet or by diet with oral antidiabetic drugs
Dose: BY Mouth
Adult: initially 50 mg daily, then increased to 50 mg 3
times a day for 6-8 weeks, then increased if necessary to 100 mg 3 times a day
(max, per dose 200 mg 3 times a day)
Children: under 12 years not recommended
Contraindications: Inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, partial intestinal obstruction, a chronic intestinal disease associated with marked disorders of absorption or digestion, cirrhosis, history of abdominal surgery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding not recommended.
Precautions: Monitor hepatic function tests especially with
higher doses. May enhance hyperglycemic effects of sulphonylureas ( if occurs
given glucose and not sucrose)
Old age: not used
Side effects:
GI: Abdominal distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, elevated
transaminases (15%) , flatulence (70%)
METAB: the potential to hypoglycemia only with insulin or
sulfonylureas.
Interactions:
Drugs
Charcoal, digestive preparations: reduced effect of
acarbose
Cholestyramine: Enhanced side effects of acarbose
Neomycin: Enhanced reduction of postprandial blood glucose
and exacerbation of adverse effects
Metformin: Decreased metformin peak serum and AUC
concentrations.
