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Precose (ACARBOSE)
Precose (ACARBOSE) is a small molecule alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor developed by Bayer Healthcare, targeting the sucrase-isomaltase enzyme in the intestine. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus by delaying carbohydrate absorption. Precose is off-patent, with multiple generic manufacturers available. Key safety considerations include its low bioavailability and short half-life. As an off-patent medication, its commercial status is largely driven by generic competition.
At a glance
| Generic name | ACARBOSE |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Bayer |
| Drug class | alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor [EPC] |
| Target | Sucrase-isomaltase, intestinal |
| Modality | Oligosaccharide |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1995 |
Approved indications
- Diabetes mellitus type 2
Common side effects
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Elevated Serum Transaminase Levels
- Small reductions in hematocrit
- Low serum calcium
- Low plasma vitamin B6 levels
- Hypersensitive skin reactions
- Edema
- Ileus/subileus
- Jaundice and/or hepatitis
- Uticaria
Drug interactions
- ciprofloxacin
- gatifloxacin
- levofloxacin
- norfloxacin
- ofloxacin
- pramlintide
Key clinical trials
- CGM-Guided Acarbose for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PHASE1)
- Acarbose in Combination With Standard Therapy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) (PHASE2)
- Glucose-lowering Drugs as an Adjunct to Insulin Therapy in Chinese Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
- A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label, Parallel-Controlled Clinical Study Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Cofrogliptin Versus Acarbose in Drug-Naïve Patients With Type 2 Diabetes (NA)
- Endotherapy and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy for Painless Chronic Pancreatitis (NA)
- A Study for Comparison of Canagliflozin Versus Alternative Antihyperglycemic Treatments on Risk of Heart Failure Hospitalization and Amputation for Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Subpopulation With Established Cardiovascular Disease
- Study of Acarbose in Longevity (PHASE2)
- A Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of ASP1941 in Combination With α-glucosidase Inhibitor in Type 2 Diabetic Patients (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |