General Information on Precose

Precose is used for treating type 2 diabetes. Its generic name is Acarbose, and it belongs to the class of anti-diabetic drugs. The medicine is often given to a patient along with insulin and other anti-diabetic drugs that are taken orally.

Precose curbs the breakdown of carbohydrates in your diet into sugar. In this way, the sugar level in your blood does not increase as much after your meal.

Precose is given to the patient in the form of oral tablets. By controlling blood sugar levels, several health conditions are prevented, including kidney damage, loss of limbs, blindness, sexual dysfunction, and nerve problems. It also reduces the risks of suffering from a stroke or heart attack.

Side effects of Precose

Before you buy Precose, inform your doctor if you suffer from severe liver disease such as cirrhosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, intestine or bowel problems such as intestinal ulcers or blockage, inflammatory bowel disease or a digestion or absorption disorder, or kidney disease.

As this drug causes blurred vision, drowsiness or dizziness, you should avoid activities that require complete alertness and clear vision. Such activities may include driving vehicles and operating machines. Also limit alcohol intake during treatment, as it may increase severity of the side effects.

Gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, or a stomach upset may be commonly experienced by patients using Precose. Your doctor will advise you to follow a special diet plan and exercise regularly in order to minimize side effects of the drug.

Some serious side effects of the drug include:

1. Unusual tiredness
2. Severe stomach or abdominal pain
3. Persistent nausea or vomiting
4. Dark urine
5. Yellowing of the eyes or skin

In some cases, Precose may make your blood sugar plummet. Symptoms of such a condition include blurred vision, cold sweats, headache, fast heartbeat, shaking, tingling in the hands or feet, hunger, or fainting. You should take a glucose gel or tablet to relieve such symptoms. You are not advised to take table sugar, as Acarbose may delay its breakdown. In order to prevent such a condition, you should never skip your meals and always eat your food as per your regular schedule.

Dosage of Precose

Initially, you will be advised to take one Precose 25mg tablet three times a day. After 4 to 8 weeks, the dosage can be increased to 50mg up to 100mg depending on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Interactions

Your doctor will not recommend you to buy Precose if you are already taking digestive enzyme products (such as pancreatin or amylase), MAO inhibitors (such as isocarboxazid), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide), quinolone antibiotics (such as levofloxacin) or anti-psychotic drugs (such as olanzapine or clozapine).

Also inform your doctor if you are taking beta blockers (such as metoprolol or propranolol), HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir) or high-dose salicylates (such as aspirin).