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Written By Veda Maddala , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Oct 22, 2024 | 7:38 PM IST
Glucobay 50 Tablet is used to treat type 2 diabetes, especially in patients whose blood sugar levels are not controlled by diet and exercise alone. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It contains Acarbose, which works by inhibiting the action of intestinal enzymes that break down complex sugars and starches into simple sugars. Thereby delaying the absorption of sugar into the blood and reducing the abnormal rise in blood sugar levels after meals. In some cases, you may experience side effects such as flatulence (gas), stomach pain, or diarrhoea. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, and about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.
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Composition

ACARBOSE-50MG

Manufacturer/Marketer

Bayer Zydus Pharma Pvt Ltd

Consume Type

ORAL

Return Policy

Not Returnable

Expires on or after

Jan-27

for this medicine

About Glucobay 50 Tablet

Glucobay 50 Tablet belongs to a class of anti-diabetic drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors used to treat type 2 diabetes, especially in patients whose blood sugar levels are not controlled by diet and exercise alone. Glucobay 50 Tablet may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that affects the way our body processes glucose. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced is unable to perform its function in the body (insulin resistance). Middle-aged or older individuals are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, so it is also known as adult-onset diabetes.

Glucobay 50 Tablet contains 'Acarbose' that works by inhibiting the action of intestinal enzymes that break down complex sugars and starches into simple sugars. Thereby delaying the absorption of sugar into the blood and reducing the abnormal rise in blood sugar levels after meals.

Take Glucobay 50 Tablet with food and chew it, preferably with the first bite of each meal, or swallow it as a whole with water. Do not crush or break it. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience flatulence (gas), stomach pain, or diarrhoea. Most of these side effects of Glucobay 50 Tablet do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are known to be allergic to Glucobay 50 Tablet or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Glucobay 50 Tablet is not recommended for children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Glucobay 50 Tablet . Do not consume alcohol with Glucobay 50 Tablet as it may increase or decrease blood sugar levels.  

Uses of Glucobay 50 Tablet

Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Medicinal Benefits

Glucobay 50 Tablet is an anti-diabetic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, especially in patients whose blood sugar levels are not controlled by diet and exercise alone. Glucobay 50 Tablet may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. Glucobay 50 Tablet inhibits the action of intestinal enzymes that break down complex sugars and starches into simple sugars. Thereby delaying the absorption of sugar into the blood and reducing the abnormal rise in blood sugar levels after meals. It is essential to control blood sugar levels to avoid any further complications of diabetes, such as eye problems, kidney damage, eye damage and loss of limbs.

Directions for Use

Use Glucobay 50 Tablet as advised by the doctor. Take Glucobay 50 Tablet with food and chew it, preferably with the first bite of each meal, or swallow it as a whole with a little water. Do not crush or break it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Glucobay 50 Tablet

  • Flatulence (gas)
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhoea

Drug Warnings

If you have severe kidney or liver disorders, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease (conditions causing swelling of the bowel, diarrhoea, bowel pain, vomiting and weight loss) and large hernia (bulging of a tissue or organ through an unusual opening) in intestine, please inform your doctor before taking Glucobay 50 Tablet . Glucobay 50 Tablet is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Glucobay 50 Tablet .

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Glucobay 50 Tablet may have interaction with other antidiabetic drugs (insulin, metformin), antibiotics (neomycin), heart-related medicines (digoxin), medicines used to treat high cholesterol (cholestyramine), and medicines with digestive enzymes (lipase, amylase), intestinal absorbents (charcoal).

Drug-Food Interaction: Glucobay 50 Tablet may interact with household sugar (cane sugar) and cause diarrhoea or severe discomfort in the stomach. Therefore, avoid household sugar (cane sugar) and foods containing alcohol. Also, avoid alcohol intake while taking Glucobay 50 Tablet as it may lead to high or low blood sugar levels.

Drug-Disease Interaction: People with severe kidney or liver disorders, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease (conditions causing swelling of the bowel, diarrhoea, bowel pain, vomiting and weight loss) and large hernia (bulging of a tissue or organ through an unusual opening) in intestine should consult a doctor before taking Glucobay 50 Tablet .

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

  • METFORMIN
  • DIGOXIN
  • NEOMYCIN
  • INSULIN
  • CHOLESTYRAMINE
  • LIPASE
  • AMYLASE
  • CHARCOAL

Habit Forming

No

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Do regular exercise such as cycling, walking, jogging, dancing or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Invest at least 150 minutes of your week in exercise.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight as obesity is also related to the onset of diabetes.
  • Maintain a low-fat and a low sugar diet. Replace carbohydrates-containing foods with whole grains, fruits and vegetables as carbohydrates turn to sugars, leading to high blood sugar.
  • Avoid consumption of alcohol and quit smoking.

Special Advise

  • Keep taking Glucobay 50 Tablet even if you think your blood sugar levels are under control. If you miss a dose, do not take a larger dose; consult your doctor for advice.
  • Take short, frequent meals and avoid prolonged fasting when taking Glucobay 50 Tablet . Beware of symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which include sweating, dizziness, palpitations, shivering, intense thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, frequent urination, etc. Whenever you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, immediately consume 5-6 candies or 3 glucose biscuits or 3 teaspoons of honey/sugar and also get in touch with your physician. Make sure to carry these with you at all times, especially during long travels.
  • It is always better that your physician knows about any underlying conditions like kidney disease or liver disease, prior heart attack or alcohol intake before the doctor prescribes you Glucobay 50 Tablet .
  • Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Glucobay 50 Tablet to monitor blood sugar levels and check enzyme levels in the blood.

Disease/Condition Glossary

Type 2 diabetes: It is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that keeps the body away from properly utilizing insulin. Hence, people affected with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or there is resistance to the action of insulin. Middle-aged or older are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, so it is also known as adult-onset diabetes. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination at night, slow wound healing, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. In some cases, there may be weight gain, while in rare cases, weight loss may be observed. The complication of type 2 diabetes also includes nerve problems, kidney problems, damaged retina of eyes or blindness, loss of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and increased chance of heart attack or stroke.

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Alcohol

Unsafe

You are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol with Glucobay 50 Tablet as it may cause high or low blood sugar levels.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Glucobay 50 Tablet is a Category B pregnancy drug and is generally not recommended for pregnant women as there is no clinical data available on use in pregnant women.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Avoid breastfeeding while taking Glucobay 50 Tablet as it may be excreted in breast milk.

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Driving

Safe if prescribed

Glucobay 50 Tablet usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

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Liver

Caution

Take Glucobay 50 Tablet with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

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Kidney

Caution

Take Glucobay 50 Tablet with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.

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Children

Unsafe

It is not recommended for children.

Country of origin

INDIA

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Bayer House, Central Avenue, Hiranandani Estate, Thane (west) Thane 400607 India
Other Info - GLU0004

Author Details

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FAQs

Glucobay 50 Tablet is used to treat type 2 diabetes, especially in patients whose blood sugar levels are not controlled by diet and exercise alone. It works by inhibiting the action of intestinal enzymes that break down complex sugars and starches into simple sugars. Thereby delaying the absorption of sugar into the blood and reducing the abnormal rise in blood sugar levels after meals.
No, you are not recommended to take Glucobay 50 Tablet with digoxin (used to treat heart problems) as co-administration of these two medicines may decrease the effectiveness of digoxin by reducing its amount in the blood. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately and used safely.
Yes, Glucobay 50 Tablet may cause diarrhoea as a common side effect. Intake of household sugar (cane sugar) or foods containing it can also lead to diarrhoea or severe discomfort in the stomach. However, if the condition worsens or persist for more than 2 or 3 days, please consult your doctor.
No, Glucobay 50 Tablet alone does not cause low blood sugar. However, low blood sugar may occur if Glucobay 50 Tablet is taken along with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol intake, exercise more than usual, delay or miss snacks or meal. However, if you experience any signs of low blood pressure such as dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, dehydration or fainting, please consult a doctor.
You are not advised to take more than the recommended dose of Glucobay 50 Tablet as it may cause Glucobay 50 Tablet overdose resulting in increased flatulence (gas), stomach discomfort, diarrhoea. In case of overdose, avoid intake of drinks and foods containing carbohydrates for the next 4 to 6 hours. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, please consult a doctor.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Glucobay 50 Tablet on your own as discontinuing Glucobay 50 Tablet suddenly may cause recurring symptoms or worsen the condition. However, if you experience any difficulty while taking Glucobay 50 Tablet , please consult your doctor so that an alternate medicine may be prescribed.
The side effects of Glucobay 50 Tablet include stomach pain, diarrhoea and flatulence (gas). If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No, Glucobay 50 Tablet does not help in weight loss, and it should only be used to manage diabetes.
If you experience low blood sugar while taking Glucobay 50 Tablet , you should take glucose. Avoid complex carbohydrates and sucrose as acarbose can delay the absorption of complex sugars.
Glucobay 50 Tablet prevents the digestion of carbohydrates which causes the build-up of undigested carbohydrates in the colon (large intestine). Bacterial fermentation of the stored carbohydrates causes intestinal gas, leading to flatulence and stomach pain.
Glucobay 50 Tablet should be taken with meals either chewed with the first bite of food or swallowed whole with water. Use as advised by the doctor.
If you forget to take a dose of Glucobay 50 Tablet , take it as soon as you remember. But, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Patients who are allergic to Glucobay 50 Tablet , have inflammation or ulceration of intestine (eg Crohn’s disease), severe liver disease, or intestinal obstruction (cramping pain, vomiting, severe constipation, and lack of flatus), large hernia or an intestinal disease where food is not digested or absorbed properly should avoid taking Glucobay 50 Tablet . Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking Glucobay 50 Tablet .

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