Acarbose Tablets 25 mg are oral anti-diabetic tablets used mainly for type 2 diabetes mellitus. They help control the rise in blood sugar after meals and are usually prescribed along with diet, exercise, and sometimes other diabetes medicines. Acarbose belongs to the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor class. It works in the intestine by slowing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into glucose, so sugar enters the blood more gradually.
The common starting dose is 25 mg three times daily, taken with the first bite of each main meal. The dose may be increased by the doctor depending on blood sugar control and stomach tolerance. Do not skip meals after taking it, and do not change the dose without medical advice.
Common side effects are gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, soft stools, and diarrhea. These are usually more noticeable in the first few weeks and may reduce as the body adjusts. Serious but less common problems include allergic reactions, severe abdominal pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, or signs of liver trouble; these need medical attention.
Acarbose alone usually does not cause low blood sugar, but hypoglycemia can occur when it is taken with insulin or sulfonylurea medicines, or if meals are delayed. If low sugar occurs, use glucose/dextrose, not ordinary table sugar, because acarbose slows sucrose breakdown.
It may not be suitable for people with diabetic ketoacidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, colonic ulcers, chronic intestinal disease, liver cirrhosis, or hypersensitivity to acarbose. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with kidney or liver problems, should consult a doctor before use.
Store at room temperature, away from moisture. This medicine should be taken only on a doctor’s prescription and with regular blood sugar monitoring.