Pills for diabetes
| Drug Name | Brand Name | Doses Available (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Acrabose | Precose® | 25, 50, 100 |
| Miglitol | Glyset® | 25, 50, 100 |
These medications are members of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors class.
How alpha-glucosidase inhibitors work
- Works on the intestine to slow digestion of carbohydrates
- Decreases blood sugar after meals (testing blood sugar 1½ -2 hours after meals will help you know if it is working)
Guidelines for use
- Take with the first bite of food at each main meal
- Starting with a small dose and gradually increasing over time may help minimize the side effects
- May be prescribed with other medications for treatment of diabetes
What to do if a dose is forgotten
- Wait until your next meal to take your next dose
- Do not take 2 doses at the next meal
Side effects
Side effects may occur when starting a medication but will often lessen once your body is used to the medication.
- Diarrhea, intestinal gas, abdominal pain or stomach upset
- Generally does not cause low blood sugar
Who should NOT take this medication
- People with any type of bowel disease
- People with liver disease
- People with significant kidney disease
- Pregnant women
Warning: Because this medication slows the breakdown of carbohydrates, you must treat hypoglycemia with juice or glucose

