Acarbose — brands & medicines in Pakistan
Pakistan mein Acarbose ke 1 brands available hain. Drug class: Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor (Diabetes). Neeche se koi bhi brand select karein aur uses, dosage, side effects aur price dekhein.
Quick Answer
Acarbose is a alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (diabetes) used in Pakistan for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Impaired Glucose Tolerance / Pre-diabetes (preventing progression), Combination therapy with metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin. Available as 1 brand. Prescription required. Always confirm dose with a doctor or pharmacist.
What is Acarbose?
Acarbose is a alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (diabetes) used in Pakistan for a range of medical conditions. Doctors and pharmacists in Pakistan recognize Acarbose under multiple brand names — currently 1 listed on PakVita (1 tablet). The information below is a synthesis from DRAP-registered medicine entries, BNF, and WHO Essential Medicines references.
Common indications
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance / Pre-diabetes (preventing progression)
- Combination therapy with metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin
Indication and dose vary by medical condition, age, weight, and other factors. Always confirm with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Typical dosage
As prescribed — typically start 25mg once daily with first bite of main meal, titrate slowly; take WITH THE FIRST BITE OF FOOD at each main meal
This is a general adult guidance pattern based on the manufacturer's label for one of the Acarbose brands listed below. Children, elderly patients, pregnant women, and people with kidney or liver impairment usually need different dosing — confirm with your doctor.
Side effects
Common (usually mild)
- Flatulence / gas (dose-dependent, very common)
- Abdominal bloating / distension
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain / cramps
Serious — stop and see a doctor
- Hepatotoxicity (rare — especially at doses >100mg TID; LFT monitoring required)
- Severe GI complications (rare — avoid if suspected bowel obstruction)
Important warnings
- Take with first bite of meal — not before or after; if meal skipped, skip dose
- Start low dose and titrate slowly to reduce GI side effects
- If hypoglycaemia occurs (when combined with sulfonylurea/insulin) — use GLUCOSE (dextrose tablets/juice) NOT sucrose (table sugar) — acarbose blocks sucrose digestion
- Avoid in bowel disease, hepatic disease, and severe renal disease (CrCl <25 mL/min)
Conditions treated
Acarbose brands in Pakistan (1)
Click any brand to see full uses, dosage, side effects, prices, and warnings.
Frequently asked questions
What is Acarbose used for in Pakistan?
Acarbose is commonly used for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Impaired Glucose Tolerance / Pre-diabetes (preventing progression), Combination therapy with metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin. It belongs to the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (diabetes) drug class.
What is the typical dosage of Acarbose?
Typical adult dosing is described by manufacturers as: "As prescribed — typically start 25mg once daily with first bite of main meal, titrate slowly; take WITH THE FIRST BITE OF FOOD at each main meal". Always confirm dose, duration, and timing with a qualified doctor or pharmacist — dose depends on indication, weight, age, kidney/liver function, and other medications.
What are the common side effects of Acarbose?
Common side effects include Flatulence / gas (dose-dependent, very common), Abdominal bloating / distension, Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain / cramps. Most are mild and resolve as the body adjusts. Stop the medicine and contact a doctor if side effects are severe, persistent, or include allergic symptoms (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty).
When should I stop Acarbose and see a doctor?
Stop Acarbose and seek urgent medical care if you experience: Hepatotoxicity (rare — especially at doses >100mg TID; LFT monitoring required); Severe GI complications (rare — avoid if suspected bowel obstruction). These are serious signs that need immediate attention.
Is Acarbose available without a prescription in Pakistan?
Prescription required.
What brands of Acarbose are available in Pakistan?
1 brand of Acarbose is listed on PakVita: 1 tablet. Browse the brand list below and click any name for prices, dosage, and full information.
Sources
- DRAP Registered Drug Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
- British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. — World Health Organization