Aride
Generic Name
Acarbose
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| aride 100 mg tablet | ৳ 30.00 | ৳ 300.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Acarbose is an oral antidiabetic drug used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates in the intestine, thereby reducing the rise in blood glucose levels after meals.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initially 25 mg three times daily with the first bite of each main meal. May be increased to 50 mg three times daily, and then to 100 mg three times daily, depending on response and tolerability. Max: 100 mg three times daily.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment generally needed, but monitor renal function.
Renal_impairment
Not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 25 mL/min).
How to Take
Take orally with the first bite of each main meal.
Mechanism of Action
Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. It competitively inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes (sucrase, maltase, glucoamylase, dextranase) in the brush border of the small intestine, which are responsible for hydrolyzing complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, disaccharides) into absorbable monosaccharides (glucose). This delays glucose absorption and reduces postprandial blood glucose excursions.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1 hour (when taken with meals).
Excretion
Mainly via feces as unabsorbed drug and metabolites. Absorbed metabolites are excreted renally.
Half life
Plasma half-life of active drug approx. 2 hours; metabolites have longer half-lives.
Absorption
Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; systemic bioavailability is low (approx. 1-2%).
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract by intestinal bacteria and digestive enzymes. Absorbed metabolites are further metabolized in the liver.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to acarbose or any component of the formulation.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration.
- Partial intestinal obstruction or predisposition to intestinal obstruction.
- Chronic intestinal diseases associated with marked disorders of digestion or absorption.
- Conditions that may deteriorate due to increased intestinal gas formation (e.g., large hernia, intestinal strictures, severe ulcers).
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 25 mL/min).
- Severe hepatic impairment.
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Acarbose may alter digoxin bioavailability.
Neomycin
May enhance acarbose effect.
Digestive enzyme preparations
May reduce acarbose effect.
Sulfonylureas, Metformin, Insulin
Increased risk of hypoglycemia when combined (requires dose adjustment of other agents).
Intestinal adsorbents (e.g., activated charcoal)
May reduce acarbose effect.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose may lead to increased flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Management is supportive; carbohydrate intake should be avoided for 4-6 hours post-overdose.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B (limited data in humans, animal studies show no harm). Not recommended during breastfeeding due to lack of data on excretion in breast milk.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to acarbose or any component of the formulation.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration.
- Partial intestinal obstruction or predisposition to intestinal obstruction.
- Chronic intestinal diseases associated with marked disorders of digestion or absorption.
- Conditions that may deteriorate due to increased intestinal gas formation (e.g., large hernia, intestinal strictures, severe ulcers).
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 25 mL/min).
- Severe hepatic impairment.
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Acarbose may alter digoxin bioavailability.
Neomycin
May enhance acarbose effect.
Digestive enzyme preparations
May reduce acarbose effect.
Sulfonylureas, Metformin, Insulin
Increased risk of hypoglycemia when combined (requires dose adjustment of other agents).
Intestinal adsorbents (e.g., activated charcoal)
May reduce acarbose effect.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose may lead to increased flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Management is supportive; carbohydrate intake should be avoided for 4-6 hours post-overdose.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B (limited data in humans, animal studies show no harm). Not recommended during breastfeeding due to lack of data on excretion in breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 to 36 months from manufacturing date.
Availability
Available in pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of acarbose in improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, both as monotherapy and in combination with other antidiabetic agents.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST) at baseline and periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months) during the first year of treatment, then periodically.
- Blood glucose and HbA1c levels to monitor glycemic control.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of taking acarbose with the first bite of each main meal to maximize its efficacy in reducing postprandial glucose excursions and minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Instruct patients that if hypoglycemia occurs while on combination therapy, it must be treated with glucose (dextrose) and not sucrose, due to acarbose's mechanism of action.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Aride 100 mg exactly as prescribed, with the first bite of each main meal.
- Follow your prescribed diet and exercise recommendations diligently.
- Be aware of gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., flatulence, diarrhea) which are common and often subside over time.
- If hypoglycemia occurs (especially when used with other antidiabetics), treat with glucose (dextrose) tablets, not sucrose (table sugar), as acarbose inhibits sucrose breakdown.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose.
Driving Precautions
Aride 100 mg alone is unlikely to affect driving ability. However, if used in combination with other antidiabetics that can cause hypoglycemia, driving may be impaired. Patients should be aware of their response to treatment before driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial for managing type 2 diabetes.
- Maintain a healthy weight to improve glycemic control.
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