Acarbose Pharmacology

Acarbose

About Acarbose

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor, Antidiabetic Agent.

Mechanism of Action of Acarbose

The drug exerts it`s antihyperglycaemic action by causing reversible competitive inhibition of pancreatic alpha-amylase and membrane bound intestinal alpha-glucosidase hydrolase enzymes; which are the final enzymes in the carbohydrate digestion in the brush border of small intestinal mucosa. It reduces digestion and absorption of polysaccharides and sucrose, lowers HbA1c, body weight and serum triglyceride levels. It delays and reduces glucose absorption and lowers postprandial hyperglycaemia.

Pharmacokinets of Acarbose

Absorption: Less than 2%absorbed orally, Distribution: It acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract, Metabolism: Exclusively metabolized within the gastrointestinal tract mainly by intestinal bacteria and to a little extend by digestive enzymes. Excretion: Excreted mainly through faeces as unabsorbed drug; and the fraction absorbed (less than 2%) is excreted through urine.

Onset of Action for Acarbose

N/A

Duration of Action for Acarbose

2 to 4 hours

Half Life of Acarbose

About 2 hours

Side Effects of Acarbose

1 Flatulence
2.Loose stools
3.Abdominal pain
4.Diarrhoea
5.Elevated serum transaminase levels (rare)

Contra-indications of Acarbose

1 Hypersensitivity to the drug
2.Diabetic ketoacidosis
3.Cirrhosis
4.Ulcerative colitis
5.Partial intestinal obstruction
6.Chronic intestinal diseases
7.Hepatic impairment
8.Severe renal impairment
9.History of abdominal surgery
10.Hernia.

Special Precautions while taking Acarbose

1.Mild to moderate renal impairment
2.Monitor hepatic function tests during therapy
3.Enhance hypoglycaemic effects of sulfonylureas. Give glucose in such situations.

Pregnancy Related Information

Contraindicated.

Old Age Related Information

Use with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Contraindicated.

Children Related Information

Contraindicated.

Indications for Acarbose

1. Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (as adjunct to diet and exercise)

Interactions for Acarbose

Sucrose: Abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea.
Digestive enzymes (amylase, pancreatin) and intestinal adsorbents (charcoal): Reduce efficacy of acarbose.
Sulphonylureas, biguanides: Acarbose increases their efficacy.
Insulin: In IDDM, insulin requirement is reduced.

Typical Dosage for Acarbose

Oral: Start with 25mg thrice daily with the 1st bite of each main meal. Increased to 50mg thrice daily; at 4 to 8 week intervals based on 1st hour postprandial glucose levels and tolerance. Then increased to 100mg thrice daily if required.
Maintenance dosage: 50mg to 100mg thrice daily; depending up on the patient`s weight.
Maximum dose: 200mg thrice daily.

Schedule of Acarbose

Storage Requirements for Acarbose

Store at room temperature below 25 degree C in a well closed container. Protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children

Effects of Missed Dosage of Acarbose

Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Acarbose

Provide symptomatic treatment and supportive measures.

Home Delivery for Acarbose in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including acarbose.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for acarbose and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for acarbose may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take acarbose only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for acarbose before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for acarbose with the pharmacy.

Acarbose is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for acarbose might be better known than acarbose itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have acarbose in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for acarbose.