ACARBOSE - ORAL (Precose) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

ACARBOSE-ORAL Index

acarbose - oral, Precose (cont.)

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking acarbose, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: very high blood sugar levels (diabetic ketoacidosis), severe liver disease (cirrhosis), intestine/bowel problems (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal blockage/ulcers, digestion/absorption disorders).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages because they can increase the risk of developing low blood sugar.It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (e.g., due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: activated charcoal, digestive enzyme products (e.g., amylase, pancreatin).If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting acarbose.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: digoxin, certain herbal drugs (fenugreek, ginseng, gymnema), pramlintide, drugs that may decrease your blood sugar levels (e.g., high-dose salicylates, quinolone antibiotics such as gatifloxacin and levofloxacin, MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid), drugs that may increase your blood sugar levels (including corticosteroids such as prednisone, diet pills, niacin, "water pills"/diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir, certain anti-psychotic drugs such as clozapine and olanzapine).Beta-blocker medications (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, and sweating are unaffected by these drugs.Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain aspirin, which in high doses may increase your risk of hypoglycemia. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of aspirin.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.