Drug interactions
Acarbose oral tablet can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with acarbose are listed below.
Diabetes drugs
When you take certain other diabetes drugs with acarbose, your blood sugar level can get too low, causing hypoglycemia. Signs of hypoglycemia may include fast heart rate, confusion, hunger, sweating, shaking, or feeling weak and dizzy. Examples of these drugs include:
- -sulfonylureas, such as glyburide or glimepiride
- -insulin
Note: Use glucose tablets or liquid glucose to help manage a hypoglycemic event while you’re taking acarbose. Cane sugar (sucrose) won’t work to treat hypoglycemia while you’re taking acarbose. Use oral glucose (dextrose) products instead.
Thyroid drug
Taking levothyroxine with acarbose may affect your blood sugar level. If you take these drugs together, your doctor will adjust your diabetes medications accordingly.
Estrogens and oral contraceptives
Taking certain hormonal medications with acarbose may affect your blood sugar level. Your doctor will adjust your diabetes medications accordingly. Examples of these drugs include:
- -ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate
- -ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel
- -ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone
- -ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone
Diuretics (water pills)
Taking acarbose with certain drugs that cause your body to lose water may lead to your blood sugar level getting too high, resulting in hyperglycemia. Examples of these drugs include:
thiazide diuretics such as:
- -hydrochlorothiazide
- -chlorthalidone
loop diuretics such as:
-furosemide
-bumetanide
-torsemide
Corticosteroids
Taking acarbose with corticosteroids may cause your blood sugar level to get too high, resulting in hyperglycemia. Examples of these drugs include:
- -hydrocortisone
- -prednisone
- -prednisolone
- -methylprednisolone
Antipsychotic drugs
Taking chlorpromazine with acarbose may cause your blood sugar level to get too high, resulting in hyperglycemia.
Seizure drugs
Taking certain seizure medications with acarbose may affect your blood sugar level. Examples of these drugs include:
Nicotinic acid
Taking niacin with acarbose can cause your blood sugar level to get too high, resulting in hyperglycemia.
Sympathomimetics
Taking drugs called sympathomimetics with acarbose may cause your blood sugar level to get too high, resulting in hyperglycemia. Examples of these drugs include:
- -pseudoephedrine
- -phenylephrine
Blood pressure drugs
Taking certain blood pressure drugs called beta-blockers with acarbose may cause your blood sugar level to get too high, resulting in hyperglycemia. It can also delay how long it takes for your blood sugar to return to normal. Beta-blockers can also mask some of the signs of low blood sugar, such as higher than normal heart rate, palpitations, and shakiness. Examples of these drugs include:
- -metoprolol
- -isoprolol
- -atenolol
- -nadolol
- -propranolol
Tuberculosis drug
Taking isoniazid with acarbose may cause your blood sugar level to get too high, resulting in hyperglycemia.
Heart problem drug
Taking digoxin with acarbose can cause the levels of digoxin in your body to change. If you take these drugs together, your dose of digoxin may need to be adjusted by your doctor.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.
To report suspected adverse reactions to acarbose contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In case of emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.