Should Acarbose Be Taken Before or After a Meal?
Acarbose tablets should be taken before meals. Acarbose tablets can be used in combination with other oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin for both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The recommended dosage is to swallow the entire tablet immediately before meals or chew it with the first few bites of food. The dosage may vary depending on the individual. The general recommended starting dose is 50mg three times daily, gradually increasing to 0.1g three times daily. In some cases, the dose may be increased to 0.2g three times daily, or as prescribed by a doctor. It is essential to strictly follow the instructions on the package insert or as prescribed by the doctor before taking the medication.
Firstly, liver function should be regularly checked, and large dosages should be avoided. In case of hypoglycemia, glucose should be used as acarbose inhibits the hydrolysis of disaccharides, making sugar water and food intake less effective. Secondly, the medication is contraindicated for individuals who are allergic to it, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It should also be avoided in patients with enteritis, intestinal obstruction, creatinine clearance rate below 25ml/min, those under 18 years of age, patients with liver or kidney dysfunction, and those with a history of abdominal surgery due to the risk of worsening conditions caused by increased gas production. Additionally, adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, including bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, may occur due to impaired carbohydrate breakdown and absorption in the small intestine and bacterial fermentation of unabsorbed carbohydrates in the colon. There have also been reports of liver injury, manifesting as jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, which usually resolve after discontinuation of the medication. Allergic reactions and skin reactions are rare.
It is crucial to adhere strictly to the instructions on the package insert or as prescribed by a doctor when taking acarbose tablets. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper dosage and administration, as well as for advice on managing potential side effects and contraindications.
