Acarbose 50mg Tablets

Product Introduction

Acarbose 50mg is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used with diet and exercise to control type 2 diabetes. It mainly limits the rise in blood glucose after carbohydrate-containing meals.

How to use

Take the tablet with the first mouthful of a main meal, not long before or after eating. Omit the meal-related dose if that meal is skipped. Gradual dose increases help the gut adapt and reduce wind and diarrhoea.

How it works

Acarbose inhibits enzymes in the small intestine that break complex carbohydrates into absorbable sugars. Slower carbohydrate digestion reduces the post-meal glucose peak without directly stimulating insulin release.

Side effects

Wind, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea are common, particularly at the start. Persistent severe abdominal pain, jaundice or a widespread rash require prompt assessment.

Important information

Inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction and significant liver disease can make acarbose unsuitable. Liver enzyme testing may be needed during treatment. When insulin or a sulfonylurea is also used, keep glucose tablets available for low blood sugar.