Acarbose, Precose, Glucobay, Prandase

Description

Acarbose is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and, in some countries, prediabetes.

Acarbose inhibits of alpha glucosidase, an enteric enzyme that releases glucose from larger carbohydrates. The main side effect is loose stool or diarrhea, which limits its use.

Action

antidiabetic, disaccharide inhibitor

Indications

diabetes mellitus,

Side Effects

abdominal pain, borborygmi, diarrhea, elevated hepatic enzymes, flatulence,

Drug-Vitamin-Herb Interactions


Negative interactions:

Ipriflavone
Ipriflavone may increase the effects of antidiabetics which may cause hypoglycemia.

Potassium citrate
Potassium citrate may decrease levels of sulfonylurea antidiabetic drugs.

St JohnÕs Wort and Dong quai
St JohnÕs Wort and Dong quai may cause sensitivity to the sun, adding to side effect of antidiabetics.


Mixed interactions:

Chromium
Chromium improves blood sugar control, which may cause hypoglycemia with antidiabetic agents.

Ginseng
Ginseng lowers blood sugar levels, which may cause hypoglycemia with antidiabetic agents.

Magnesium
Diabetes may cause low levels of magnesium.

Magnesium
Magnesium increases the absorption of sulfonylurea antidiabetics.

Magnesium
Magnesium lowers blood sugar levels, which may cause hypoglycemia if used with antidiabetic agents.

Vanadium
Vanadium has an insulin-like action, which may cause hypoglycemia if used with antidiabetic agents.

Vitamin E
Antidiabetic supplements - Lipoic acid, Carnitine

Antibiabetic Herbs: Aloe, Bitter mellon, Bilberry, Burdock, Dandelion, Fenugreek, Garlic, Gymnema
Antibiabetic herbs may cause hypoglycemia if used with antidiabetic agents.

Antibiabetic Supplements: Lipoic acid, Carnitine
Antibiabetic supplements may cause hypoglycemia if used with antidiabetic agents.


Positive interactions:

Calcium
Calcium corrects vitamin B12 malabsorption caused by metformin and phenformin.

Coenzyme Q10
Antidiabetic drugs interfere with the activity of enzymes containing CoQ10.

Vitamin B12
Metformin and phenformin cause malabsorption of vitamin B12.