Generic name: acarbose [ ah-KAR-bose ]
Brand name: Precose
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg; 25 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class:Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
What is acarbose?
Acarbose slows the digestion of carbohydrates in the body, which helps control blood sugar levels.
Acarbose is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Acarbose is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications you take by mouth.
Acarbose may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use acarbose if you have inflammatory bowel disease, an ulcer or blockage in your intestines, or cirrhosis of the liver. Do not use acarbose if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use acarbose if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
inflammatory bowel disease;
a blockage in your intestines;
a digestive disorder affecting your intestines;
intestinal ulcer (of your colon);
cirrhosis of the liver; or
diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
To make sure acarbose is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
