First line therapy in NIDDM after diet has proved insufficient and as an adjunct to existing conventional oral therapy where glycaemic control is inadequate.
Contra Indication
:
Hypersensitivity. Diabetic ketoacidosis or cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, partial intestinal obstruction, chronic intestinal diseases associated with marked disorders of digestion or absorption and in those who have conditions that may deteriorate as a result of increased gas formation in the intestine.
Pregnancy, lactation and children.
Caution
:
On combination with sulphonylurea, acarbose may increase the hypoglycaemia potential of the sulphonylurea.
Side Effect
:
Gastrointestinal tract symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhoea tended to return to pretreatment levels, antacids (aluminium, magnesium salts) have not been shown to ameliorate acute gastrointestinal symptoms of acarbose.
