MedicinePOM

Acarbose

A tablet that improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Clinical information

Common uses

type 2 diabetes (alongside diet and exercise)

Common side effects

wind (flatulence)
diarrhoea
stomach pain

Cautions

not for inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal obstruction
not for diabetic ketoacidosis or cirrhosis
low blood sugar possible when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas

Interactions

insulin and sulfonylureas (low blood sugar risk)
charcoal and digestive enzyme preparations (reduce effect)
digoxin (levels may change)
thiazide diuretics, steroids and other glucose-raising drugs

Pregnancy: only if clearly needed — insulin usually preferred

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, acarbose label, setid 1ba7a072-03b0-41f2-be7a-101145bdef3a (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations4

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Acarbose	Tablet	50 mg	—	POM
Acarbose (Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, And Colloidal Silicon Dioxide)	Tablet	25mg	—	POM
Acarbose (Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, And Colloidal Silicon Dioxide)	Tablet	100 mg	—	POM
Glucar 50	Tablet ( Uncoated Tablet )	50 mg	ADK Pharmaceutical Company Pvt. Ltd	POM