Acarbose dosage

Dosage of acarbose must be individualized while not exceeding the maximum recommended dose of 100 mg 3 times/day for patients more than 60 kg and 50 mg 3 times/day for patients less than 60 kg. 

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 74 patients for 2 years, acarbose 100 mg tds, after a stepwise increase in dosage over 5 weeks, improved HbAic (-1.71%) more than placebo (24). Two patients taking acarbose withdrew with drug-related adverse effects. 

The treatment with acarbose of Type-II diabetics who had already been transferred to insulin, revealed an insulin-saving effect. The total daily insulin dosage was reduced by 10IU per patient with acarbose, while insulin and placebo increased the daily insulin dosage by 0.7 IU. Blood glucose levels in the acarbose group was lowered (Rosak, 1990) and HbA was decreased... 

There are gastrointestinal side effects with acarbose (l)treatment including pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. The drug is not recommended for people with limited kidney function, and high doses eause abnormal liver enzyme values. Therefore, the maximum dosage should not exceed 100 mg, three times per day. 

May C. Efficacy and tolerabihty of step wise increasing dosage of acarbose in patients with non-insuhn-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) treated with suUbnylureas. Diabetes Stoffwechsel 1995 4 3-7. 

Neomycin alone can reduce postprandial blood glucose levels and may enhance the reduction in postprandial glucose levels associated with acarbose. Neomycin 1 g three times daily increased the unpleasant gastrointestinal adverse effects (flatulence, cramps and diarrhoea) of acarbose 200 mg three times daily in 7 healthy subjects. The manufacturers suggest that if these adverse effects are severe the dosage of acarbose should be reduced." ... 

---