Acarbose lowers blood sugar: Be careful of these three points when using it!

Acarbose is an α-glucosidase inhibitor and a commonly used drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It competitively and reversibly inhibits pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase, leading to delayed glucose absorption and reduction of postprandial hyperglycemia.

What issues should be paid attention to when using acarbose? Today, Jie Xiaoyao will sort them out for you:

Patients who are treated with sulfonylureas or insulin should pay attention to adjusting the dose. Sulfonylureas or insulin can cause hypoglycemia. The combined use of this product with sulfonylureas or insulin will lead to a further decrease in blood sugar and may increase the chance of hypoglycemia. Once hypoglycemia occurs, the dose of these drugs should be appropriately adjusted.

What are the symptoms of a drug overdose?

▌ Overdosage

Unlike sulfonylureas or insulin, overdose of this product does not cause hypoglycemia. Overdose of this product may cause a transient increase in flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort that subsides quickly.

▌ Solution

In the event of an overdose of this product, the patient should not be given beverages or meals containing carbohydrates (polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and disaccharides) within the next 4-6 hours.

During pregnancy/lactation, use with caution.

Pregnancy

Current information clearly indicates that abnormal blood glucose levels during pregnancy are associated with a higher incidence of congenital anomalies and increased neonatal morbidity and mortality, and most experts recommend the use of insulin during pregnancy to keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.

The safety of acarbose for pregnant women has not been determined. There are currently no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of acarbose in pregnant women, and there is insufficient adequate and controlled research data on pregnant women. This product should only be used during pregnancy if it is clearly needed.

▌ Lactation

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in breast milk, this drug should not be given to a nursing woman.