Drug Name

Precose (Acarbose)

Drug Uses
 
Precose is a glucosidase inhibitor that is used along with a good diet and regular exercise to cure Type II diabetes.

How it is taken

Precose can be taken by mouth with food. If you take charcoal or digestive enzyme preparations then ensure that you do not take it for 2 to 4 hours after having Precose.

You might require temporary Insulin therapy while using the drug. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Precose is a glucosidase inhibitor that reduces the incidence of a chemical that converts carbohydrates into glucose after a meal. This helps in reducing blood sugar levels.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Precose, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

If you have skipped a meal, then do not take a dose for that meal.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, have stomach or intestinal problems, liver problems, or kidney problems.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or have blockage of the stomach or intestine or are at risk for these problems, you have long-term (chronic) bowel inflammation, colon ulcers, or stomach or intestine problems that interfere with digestion or nutrient absorption, you have cirrhosis of the liver or unexplained abnormal liver function tests, you have diabetic ketoacidosis (high ketone levels) or severe kidney problems.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Precose and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Precose is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially one of the following.

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because Prepose increases the risk of their side effects.

Calcium channel blockers (eg, verapamil), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), phenytoin, sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), or thyroid hormone because these drugs reduce the effectiveness of Prepose.

Insulin or sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide) because Prepose increases the risk of experiencing their side effects.

Digoxin because Prepose reduces its effectiveness.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), severe stomach pain, yellowing of skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.