Precose

Generic name: Acarbose

What is Precose?

Precose is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes when high blood sugar levels cannot be controlled by diet alone. Precose works by slowing the body's digestion of carbohydrates so blood sugar levels do not surge upward after a meal.

What is the most important information I should know about Precose?

While taking Precose, your doctor will give you a blood test every 3 months during your first year of treatment to check your liver.

Have your blood and urine checked periodically for the presence of abnormal blood sugar levels.

Precose is not an oral form of insulin. It cannot be used in place of insulin. If you are taking Precose along with other diabetes medications, be sure to have some source of glucose available in case you experience any symptoms of low blood sugar.

Precose is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow the diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor can lead to serious complications such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels.

Who should not take Precose?

Do not take Precose when suffering diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by mental confusion, excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatigue.

You should not take Precose if you are allergic to the medication or if you have cirrhosis (chronic liver disease), inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers in the colon, any intestinal obstruction or chronic intestinal disease associated with digestion, or any condition that could worsen as a result of gas in the intestine.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Precose?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Precose. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, or any other disease of the intestines, ulcers of the colon, a blockage or obstruction in the intestines, liver disease or kidney disease.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The recommended starting dose of Precose is 25 milligrams (mg) (half of a 50-mg tablet) 3 times a day, taken with the first bite of each main meal. Some people need to work up to this dose gradually and start with 25 mg only once a day. Your doctor will adjust your dosage at 4 to 8 week intervals, based on blood tests and your individual response to Precose.

The maintenance dose of Precose is 50mg to 100mg 3 times a day with the first bite of each main meal. The maximum dose is 50mg three times daily for patients weighing 60 kilograms (kg) (60kg=132 pounds) or less and maxium 100mg three times daily for those weighing more than 60 kg.

If you are also taking another oral antidiabetic medication or insulin and you show signs of low blood sugar, your doctor will adjust the dosage of both medications.

The safety and effectiveness of Precose in children have not been established.

How should I take Precose?

Do not take more or less of Precose than directed by your doctor. Precose is usually taken 3 times a day with the first bite of each main meal.

What should I avoid while taking Precose?

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before you undergo any surgery.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may affect blood sugar levels.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Precose?

If Precose is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Precose with the following: airway-opening drugs, calcium channel blockers (types of heart and blood pressure medications), charcoal tablets, digestive enzyme preparations, digoxin, estrogens, isoniazid, major tranquilizers, nicotinic acid, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, steroid medications, thyroid medications, and diuretics.

What are the possible side effects of Precose?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas

Can I receive Precose if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Precose during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Precose?

For maximum effectiveness, Precose should be taken with the first bite of a meal. If you forget to take it with the first bite, take the dose as soon as you remember if you are still eating or right after you finished your meal. Otherwise, wait until your next main meal to take your medicine. Otherwise, wait until your next main meal to take your medicine. Do not take a double dose.

How should I store Precose?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store in a tightly closed container.