Acarbose

Acarbose is an oligosaccharide analog. It was the first a-glycoside hydrolase inhibitor to be used therapeutically in regulating intestinal carbohydtare digestion and absorption. Acarbose is isolated from fermentation of Actinomyces in culture broth containing both glucose and maltose. Acarbose is oral hypoglycemic agent. Acarbose is used along with diet in the treatment of diabetes to reduce the high blood sugar level. For maximum therapeutic effects, it must be used along with a proper diet and a regular exercise program. It has been recently approved by the FDA for use.

Brands
GLUCOBAY GLUCOBAY ACABOSE ACABOSE
Adult Dose
Dose: 25 to 100 mg
Single Dose: 62 (62.5)
Frequency: As recommended.
Route: PO
Instructions: Before meals
Neonatal
Dose:
Single Dose:
Frequency:
Route:
Instructions: Not recommended in this age group
Paedriatic
Dose:
Single Dose:
Frequency:
Route:
Instructions: Not recommended in this age group
Characteristics
. It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to D-Glucopyranose. It belongs to Alpha-Glycoside hydrolase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Drugs Afecting Glucose Metabolism and Hypoglycemic Agent pharmacological group.The Molecular Weight of Acarbose is 646.00. Its pKa is 12.01.
Contraindications
Acarbose is contraindicated in conditions like Eclampsia.
Effects
Acarbose produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Abdominal distention. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Acarbose therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Acarbose include Carbohydrate malabsorption.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Acarbose are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Abdominal distension, Flatulence, Loose stools, Sleepiness, Weakness, Dizziness, Vertigo, Headache, Nausea.
Indications
Acarbose is primarily indicated in conditions like Chronic acidotic states, Diabetes mellitus, Duodenal or benign gastric ulcer associated with H.pylori, Prostate cancer, flare with initial gonadorelin therapy, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Secondry bacterial infection of acute bronchitis.
Interactions
Acarbose is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementCholestyramineDigoxinInsulinMetformin (HCl)Acarbose and guar gum both decrease the absorption of metformin.NeomycinParomomycin (Sulphate)Somatropin These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Interfrence
Risks
Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Storage
tab Store in a well closed container. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight and Heat.
Warnings
Acrabose should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease, liver disease, stomach, digestive or intestinal disorders, iron deficiency or if have any allergies. It may be difficult to control blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, consult the doctor if additional medication may be required, because Acarbose prevents the breakdown of table sugar, patients should have a readily available source of glucose (such as glucose tablets) to treat symptoms of low blood sugar if taking Acarbose in combination with other medications to treat diabetes. Use with caution during pregnancy. This medication is not recommended for use by nursing women.
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