Prandase

Common Name: acarbose

How does Prandase work?

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. It works by preventing the breakdown of starch into sugar and helps to lower blood sugar levels after meals. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Prandase?

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. Acarbose should be taken 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 double-up on doses. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Store acarbose in a dry place at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.

What form(s) does Prandase come in?

Tablet

What should I NOT take with Prandase?

Acarbose should not be used by anyone who has: an allergy to acarbose diabetic ketoacidosis inflammatory bowel disease colonic ulceration partial intestinal blockage a predisposition to intestinal blockage chronic intestinal diseases associated with severe problems with digestion or absorption a condition that may worsen as a result of increased gas formation in the intestine (e.g., larger hernias)

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Prandase?

Diabetes complications: Acarbose (or any other anti-diabetic agent) has not been shown to prevent the development of complications peculiar to diabetes, although the onset of such complications is delayed by good blood glucose control. Diet: Acarbose must be taken along with a proper dietary regimen and not seen as a substitute for diet. Sucrose usage: Increased use of sucrose (cane sugar) and foods that contain sugar or starch can lead to stomach problems (e.g., flatulence and bloating) as well as loose stools and occasionally diarrhea. Decreased response: Over a period of time, blood glucose may be less easily controlled with acarbose or other diabetes medications because of worsening of diabetes. If acarbose fails to lower your blood glucose to target levels, it should be stopped and replaced or have another blood glucose-lowering medication added to it. Illness or stress: People taking acarbose may lose control of their blood sugar during illness or stressful situations such as infection, trauma or surgery. Under these conditions, your doctor may consider stopping the medication and prescribe insulin until the situation improves. Liver disease or kidney disease: People with kidney or liver disease should use caution while taking acarbose and should be closely monitored by their doctor. Low blood sugar: Because of the way it works, acarbose will not cause low blood sugar when taken on its own. However, acarbose may increase the risk of low blood sugar caused by sulfonylurea medications such as glyburide if taken at the same time. See information on glyburide for further details about signs and management of low blood sugar. Children: The safety and effectiveness of acarbose for children and adolescents less than 18 years old have not been established. Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use acarbose by pregnant women. Its use during pregnancy is not recommended. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. However, as many medications do pass into breast milk, women who are nursing should avoid taking acarbose.