Glucobay

What is it?

An oral hypoglycaemic preparation which is an a-glucosidase inhibitor, acting to inhibit the activity of this digestive enzyme which breaks down carbohydrates. It is produced in the form of off-white tablets in two different strengths containing 50mg or 100mg of acarbose and marked G50 or G100 respectively and with the Bayer cross logo.

Medical Uses

Type 11 diabetes which is not completely controlled by diet and/or hypoglycaemic drugs taken orally.

Dosage

Adults, 50mg 3 times each day at first, either swallowed with a drink immediately before a meal or chewed with first mouthful of food at mealtime. Or, 50mg 1 or 2 times each day in same way at first, increasing gradually to 50mg 3 times each day. If necessary, gradually increase after 6 weeks to 2months to 100mg 3 times each day. the maximum daily dose is 200mg, 3 times daily.

Special Care

The level of liver enzyme, hepatic transaminase, should be carefully monitored for 6 months to 1 year. If levels stay high, drug may need to be withdrawn. Patients taking other hypoglycaemics should be closely monitored.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breast- feeding, various disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract including inflammation of the bowel, obstruction of intestine, ulceration of colon, disorders of absorption, conditions made worse by abdominal wind.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Pancreatic enzymes, adsorbent agents, digoxin, cholestyramine, neomycin.

Known Side Effects

Flatulence, feeling of bloatedness, diarrhoea, pain in abdomen. In rare cases, jaundice, hepatitis, short-lived rise in liver transaminase enzymes, skin effects.