Adult Dosing
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)
- Initial: 25 mg PO tid with first bite of each main meal; to minimize GI adverse effects, may start with 25 mg qd, and gradually increase to tid
- Titrate: increase at 4-8 week intervals based on 1 hour postprandial glucose levels and tolerance
- Maintenance dose (for patients > 60kg): 50-100 mg PO tid depending on patient's weight; Max: 100 mg PO tid
- Max: 300 mg/day
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- Therapy may increase the potential for hypoglycemia when given in combination with a sulfonylurea or insulin. Oral glucose, whose absorption is not inhibited by acarbose, should be employed instead of sucrose in the treatment of mild to moderate hypoglycemia. If severe hypoglycemia occurs treat with intravenous glucose infusion or glucagon injection
- Therapy may cause dose-related elevations of serum transaminases
- Temporary insulin therapy may be required if a temporary loss of control of blood glucose occurs when diabetic patients are exposed to stress such as fever, trauma, or infection
- Monitor periodic blood glucose tests to assess therapeutic response to acarbose; consider determining glycosylated hemoglobin levels for the monitoring of long-term glycemic control
- Measurement of serum transaminase levels is recommended every 3 months during the first year of treatment with acarbose and periodically thereafter. Consider dose reduction or withdrawal of therapy if elevated transaminases are observed
Caution: Use cautiously in
Supplemental Patient Information
- Emphasize the importance of adhering to dietary instructions, a regular exercise program, and regular testing of urine and/or blood glucose
- Advise patients to have a readily available source of glucose such as dextrose or D-glucose to treat symptoms of low blood sugar when taking acarbose in combination with an insulin or sulfonylurea
Pregnancy Category:B
Breastfeeding: As <2% of a dose of acarbose is absorbed from the mother's GI tract, it is unlikely that any drug reaches the infant through breastmilk. This information is based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 29 December 2010).According to the manufacturer's data, it is unknown whether acarbose is excreted in human milk and should not be administered to nursing women.
Pricing data from www.DrugStore.com in U.S.A.
- Precose 100 MG TABS [Bottle] (BAYER HEALTHCARE PHARMA)
90 mg = $109.99
270 mg = $299.97 - Acarbose 50 MG TABS [Bottle] (WATSON LABS)
100 mg = $87.99
300 mg = $235.96 - Acarbose 25 MG TABS [Bottle] (WATSON LABS)
100 mg = $83.99
300 mg = $228.97 - Precose 25 MG TABS [Bottle] (BAYER PHARMACEUTICAL)
90 mg = $85.51
270 mg = $238.56 - Acarbose 100 MG TABS [Bottle] (WATSON LABS)
100 mg = $89.99
300 mg = $239.97 - Precose 50 MG TABS [Bottle] (BAYER HEALTHCARE PHARMA)
30 mg = $36.99
90 mg = $92.97
Warning: This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.
