Precose: Control Post-Meal Blood Sugar with Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibition
Precose
| Product dosage: 50mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.85 | $51.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.79 | $76.50 $71.00 (7%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.76 | $102.00 $91.00 (11%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.72 | $153.00 $130.00 (15%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.69 | $229.50 $187.00 (19%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.68
Best per pill | $306.00 $246.00 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Precose (acarbose) is an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor medication designed specifically for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It functions by delaying the digestion of complex carbohydrates and disaccharides in the small intestine, thereby reducing the postprandial rise in blood glucose. This mechanism offers a targeted approach to glycemic control, particularly after meals, and is often used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents like sulfonylureas, metformin, or insulin. By moderating carbohydrate absorption, Precose helps stabilize daily glucose fluctuations and supports long-term metabolic health.
Features
- Active ingredient: Acarbose
- Drug class: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
- Available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg oral tablets
- Delays carbohydrate digestion in the small intestine
- Does not stimulate insulin secretion
- Low systemic absorption; acts locally within the GI tract
Benefits
- Reduces postprandial hyperglycemia by slowing carbohydrate breakdown
- Lowers HbA1c levels as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan
- Minimizes risk of hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy
- May contribute to modest weight stabilization or loss
- Compatible with other antidiabetic regimens for synergistic effects
- Supports long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health by improving glycemic variability
Common use
Precose is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is especially useful in individuals who experience significant postprandial glucose excursions. It may be used as initial monotherapy in patients for whom metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated, or as part of combination therapy with other oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin. It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Dosage and direction
The initial dosage of Precose is 25 mg taken orally three times daily at the start (with the first bite) of each main meal. The dosage may be increased gradually at 4- to 8-week intervals based on tolerability and glycemic response. Maintenance doses typically range from 50 mg to 100 mg three times daily. Dosage titration is recommended to minimize gastrointestinal adverse effects. For patients with body weight < 60 kg, the maximum recommended dose is 50 mg three times daily; for those ≥ 60 kg, the maximum is 100 mg three times daily.
Precautions
Precose should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment (serum creatinine > 2.0 mg/dL), as acarbose and its metabolites are excreted renally. It is not recommended in patients with significant hepatic impairment or inflammatory bowel disease. Due to its mechanism of action, it may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, especially during initial therapy. Periodic monitoring of transaminases is recommended, as elevated liver enzymes have been reported. Hypoglycemia may occur when used in combination with other antidiabetic agents; note that sucrose is ineffective for treating acarbose-induced hypoglycemia—use glucose instead.
Contraindications
Precose is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to acarbose or any component of the formulation. It is also contraindicated in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, or partial intestinal obstruction. It should not be used in patients with chronic intestinal diseases associated with marked disorders of digestion or absorption, or in conditions that may deteriorate as a result of increased gas formation in the intestine.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and include flatulence (74%), diarrhea (31%), and abdominal pain (19%). These often diminish with continued use. Less frequently, elevated serum transaminase levels may occur. Rare side effects include ileus, jaundice, and hepatitis. Hypoglycemia may occur when Precose is used in combination with sulfonylureas or insulin. Skin reactions such as rash and erythema have been reported infrequently.
Drug interaction
Precose may reduce the bioavailability of digoxin and propranolol. Intestinal adsorbents (e.g., charcoal) and digestive enzyme preparations (e.g., amylase, pancreatin) may reduce the efficacy of acarbose and should not be taken concurrently. Thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blockers, and isoniazid may reduce the hypoglycemic effect of acarbose. When used with other antidiabetic drugs, the risk of hypoglycemia increases.
Missed dose
If a dose of Precose is missed, it should be omitted if it is not taken with the meal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Resume the regular dosing schedule with the next meal.
Overdose
An overdose of Precose alone is not expected to cause hypoglycemia. However, when taken in combination with other glucose-lowering agents, hypoglycemia may occur. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, tremor, dizziness, and confusion. Treatment should include oral administration of glucose (dextrose); sucrose (table sugar) is ineffective due to acarbose’s inhibition of disaccharide hydrolysis. In severe cases, intravenous glucose or glucagon may be necessary. Supportive measures and symptomatic treatment are recommended.
Storage
Store Precose tablets at controlled room temperature, 20°–25°C (68°–77°F), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication regimen. Individual patient needs and responses may vary.
Reviews
Clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance indicate that Precose is effective in reducing postprandial glucose and HbA1c levels, particularly in patients with prominent post-meal hyperglycemia. Many patients report improved daily glucose stability, though gastrointestinal side effects are a common reason for discontinuation during early therapy. Combination use with metformin or sulfonylureas has shown additive benefits in glycemic control. Long-term data suggest a favorable safety profile with appropriate monitoring.