Brand Name
Glucobay
Common Name
acarbose
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02190893 | GLUCOBAY 100MG TABLET |
| 02190885 | GLUCOBAY 50MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Acarbose is an antidiabetic medication known as an α-glucosidase inhibitor. Acarbose is used to control blood glucose for people with type 2 diabetes when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not controlled it well enough on their own.
This medication is often added to other diabetes medications when additional blood glucose control is needed. Acarbose works by preventing the breakdown of starch into sugar (by blocking the α-glucosidase enzyme) and helps to lower blood sugar levels after meals.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of acarbose varies. The starting dose is 50 mg once daily, with a gradual increase in dose as needed to control blood glucose. The maximum daily dose is 100 mg three times daily, taken with the first bite of a meal.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Take this medication regularly in order to keep blood glucose under control. If you forget a dose, start your regular dosing schedule again with your next meal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
50 mg
Each round, off-white, scored tablet, marked with "G50" on one side and the Bayer cross on the other, contains acarbose 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide. Preservative- and dye-free.
100 mg
Each round, off-white, scored tablet, marked with "G100" on one side and the Bayer cross on the other, contains acarbose 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide. Preservative- and dye-free.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to acarbose or any ingredients of the medication
- have a condition that may worsen as a result of increased gas formation in the intestine (e.g., larger hernias)
- have a predisposition to intestinal blockage
- have chronic intestinal conditions associated with severe problems with digestion or absorption
- have colonic ulceration
- have diabetic ketoacidosis
- have inflammatory bowel disease
- have partial intestinal blockage
