Acarbose side effects

Nishii Y, Aizawa T, Hashizume K. Ileus a rare side effect of acarbose. Diabetes Care 1996 19(9) 1033. 

Acarbose has no known toxic effects. In contrast, some side effects are known (Clissold and Edwards, 1988), and are more frequent at the beginning. Systemic side effects are not anticipated since only 10-30% of a dose is absorbed and only 2% is bioavailable . Gastrointestinal disturbances, particularly flatulence and meteorism, may occur and are reported to be due to gases from non-absorbed carbohydrate in the colon. 

Side Effects, Adverse Effects. Gastrointestinal disturbances in the form of flatulence, abdominal discomfort, and, to a lesser extent, diarrhea are common side effects of therapy with a-glucosidase inhibitors. Use of acarbose at higher doses (100 mg or greater) has been associated with a low incidence of elevated serum transaminase levels, most often in patients weighing less than 60 kg. 

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. 

I Acarbose inhibits intestinal a-glucosidase, thereby slowing glucose absorption and deaeasing insulin I demand. The side effect is gastrointestinal distress. 

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