Acarbose

Diabetes medicine (alpha-glucosidase inhibitor)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Acarbose is a diabetes medicine (alpha-glucosidase inhibitor) found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Glucobay 50. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Slows sugar absorption from meals to reduce sugar spikes.

How it works

An alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows starch digestion and lowers sugar spikes after meals.

How to take it

Usually 25 to 100 mg three times a day, chewed with the first bite of each meal.

Common side effects

  • Wind
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhoea

Get medical help straight away if

  • Severe stomach pain
  • Yellow skin (rare)

Be careful

Can cause gas and bloating; take with the first bite of a meal.

Other medicines and interactions

Treat lows with glucose (dextrose) when combined with other diabetes medicines. Charcoal and digestive enzymes weaken it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Brands of Acarbose (1)

Glucobay 50

Common questions

What is Acarbose used for?

Slows sugar absorption from meals to reduce sugar spikes.

How does Acarbose work?

An alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows starch digestion and lowers sugar spikes after meals.

How should I take Acarbose?

Usually 25 to 100 mg three times a day, chewed with the first bite of each meal.

What are the side effects of Acarbose?

Common: Wind, bloating, diarrhoea. Get help straight away for: Severe stomach pain, yellow skin (rare).

Does Acarbose interact with other medicines?

Treat lows with glucose (dextrose) when combined with other diabetes medicines. Charcoal and digestive enzymes weaken it.

Is Acarbose safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Does Acarbose need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Acarbose?

Glucobay 50.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.