Precose
Generic Name:
Acarbose
Brand Names:
Precose
Precose Description:
Precose belongs to a class of medications known as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. The medication is used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. In patients with this condition, the hormone known as insulin does not properly carry glucose from the blood stream into cells, where it is needed for energy. This causes high blood sugar levels that can lead to serious complications over time if not properly managed.
Precose works to help patients manage blood sugar levels by delaying the digestion of carbohydrates after a meal, which results in a reduced rise in blood sugar levels.
Precose Side Effects:
The most common side effects of Precose include:
For more information, see our Precose side effects page.
Precose Uses:
Precose is used alongside healthy lifestyle changes such as a proper diet and exercise in the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.
Precose can be used alone or alongside other anti-diabetes medications.
Precose Interactions:
Precose may interact with the following medications and substances:
- Other anti-diabetes medications
- Digoxin
- Diuretics
- Estrogens
- Isoniazid
- High blood pressure medications
- Cold medications
- Oral contraceptives
- Pancreatic enzymes
- Phenytoin
- Steroids
- Thyroid medications
Precose may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medicines, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with Precose.
Precose Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Precose dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will determine the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines established by their doctor.
Most patients begin treatment with Precose by taking 25 mg three times per day at the beginning of each main meal. Some patients may be more gradually introduced to Precose through lower daily dosages. Your doctor may adjust your dosage as treatment progresses.
Missing a Dose of Precose
Precose is intended for use directly before a meal. Consequently, it is important that patients remember to take all doses at the appropriate time.
If you forget to take a dose of Precose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not consume a double dose of Precose to compensate for a missed dose.
Precose Overdose
Unlike other diabetes medications, an overdose of Precose will not cause severely low blood sugar levels. An overdose of Precose may result in an increase of the following side effects:
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Stomach discomfort
Patients should contact their doctor or seek immediate medical attention if they have taken too much of this medication.
Precose FDA Approval:
September 6, 1995
Precose Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Precose does not carry any black box warnings.
Recalls
In 2008, Advantage Dose LLC recalled certain lots of Precose because the medications may have not have been produced in accordance with the Good Manufacturing Practices established by the FDA. The actions constituted a Class II recall.
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