About Acarbose
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Lowers the rise in blood sugar after meals by slowing the digestion of starch.
How to take it
Take it with the first bite of each main meal.
Common side effects
- Gas, bloating and loose stools, mostly in the first weeks.
Call your doctor if
- Severe belly pain.
- Yellow eyes or skin.
Take care
Treat a low sugar with glucose tablets, not table sugar.
From our clinic: The doctor usually starts with a small dose to reduce gas.