Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S

Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S belongs to a class of drugs called “hypoglycemics” (anti-diabetics, alpha glucosidase inhibitors) that are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients inadequately controlled by diet with or without hypoglycemic drugs. 

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non insulin-dependent diabetes, is a condition resulting from a combination of insulin resistance, i.e, body cells failing to respond properly to the insulin produced, inadequate insulin secretion, and excessive production of glucagon. Progression of the disease may lead to insulin deficiency. This causes hyperglycemia. (high blood sugar levels)

This medicine is available in tablet form on prescription. It is prescribed to lower blood sugar levels by inhibiting intestinal enzymes responsible for the breakdown of complex sugars into simpler ones such as glucose. Thereby, preventing blood glucose levels from rising too high post meals. 

Dosage of Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S depends on age, severity of condition, patient's response to medicine and their comorbidities.

Common side effects of this medication are abdominal (stomach) pain, diarrhoea and flatulence (buildup of gas).

 

Indications

Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age. 

It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients inadequately controlled by diet with or without hypoglycemic drugs. 

 

How does Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S work?

It is an anti-diabetic medication that works by inhibiting intestinal enzymes responsible for the breakdown of complex sugars into simpler ones such as glucose. Thereby, preventing blood glucose levels from rising too high post meals. 

 

How to use Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S?

It is recommended to take the medication right before or with the first bite of your meal to avoid post meal hypoglycemia. 

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

 

Dosage

• Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S comes as 50 mg and 100mg tablets. 

• Recommended starting dose is 50mg taken once a day.
• It is then increased to 50mg taken thrice a day for the next 6-8 weeks.
• If necessary, it could then be increased to 100mg taken thrice daily (maximum recommended daily dose is 200mg thrice a day.

 

Dosage is completely dependent on the age, severity of condition, patient's response to medicine and their comorbidities. Your doctor may vary your dosage to regulate your blood sugar levels.

 

Pregnancy use and Lactations

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S.

 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S:

• Hepatic (liver) impairment
• Renal (kidney) impairment
• Inflammatory bowel disorders (such as ulcerative colitis or crohn's disease)  
• Chronic ulceration in the bowel (colon) 
• Intestinal obstruction 
• Chronic digestive or absorption disorders
• Conditions exacerbated by flatulence such as hernia
• Allergy to Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (abnormally fast breakdown of fat into blood acids called ketones)

 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S:

• Allergic reaction 
• History of intestinal/bowel problems
• History of kidney problem
• History of liver problem
• Alcohol intake
• Stress in situations like trauma, surgery - doctor might switch over to insulin in this case
• Pregnant, planning to have a baby and breastfeeding. 

• Monitor hepatic transaminase when on maximum dose of Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S. Review if it is persistently elevated. 
• Monitor closely patients on other hypoglycemic therapy.

 

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S, hence, in that case your doctor might alter your dosage and make sure to monitor blood sugar levels more closely.

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S:

• Other antidiabetics like insulin and sulfonylureas. 
• Adsorbents
• Neomycin 
• Digoxin
• Sucrose 
• Cholestyramine
• Charcoal products taken by mouth
• Digestive enzyme products such as amylase, panreatin (pancreatic enzyme) 
• Pramlintide.
• Beta blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat experience in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Corticosteroids such as prednisolone
• Diazoxide
• Diuretics, e.g. bendroflumethiazide
• Lithium 
• Thyroid drugs eg levothyroxine
• Oral contraceptives (estrogens and progestogens)
• Antipsychotic drugs like chlorpromazine 
• Phenytoin (drug for seizures)
• Niacin
• Anti TB drug (isoniazid)

 

Adverse Effects

Like most medicines, Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S has some side effects which include:

Common:

• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence (buildup of gas) 

Serious:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) indicated by feeling hungry, trembling or shaking, sweating, confusion and difficulty concentrating
• Anaphylaxis (allergic) reactions - difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or tongue, hives, or difficulty swallowing
• liver problem such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and Jaundice (yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
• loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, 
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count)
• Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (gas filled cysts on the intestinal walls) - symptoms include mucus discharge, rectal bleeding and constipation. 

 

HOW TO COPE WITH SOME OF THE ADVERSE EFFECTS

• Diarrhoea - Keep yourself hydrated by having lots of fluids and if the problem persists, consult your doctor before taking any medication for vomiting and diarrhoea

• Abdominal (stomach) pain - Try to rest as much as possible and have smaller and more frequent meals. Using a heat pack or hot water bottle over the area in pain might help in giving some relief. If the pain still persists and is severe, speak to your doctor.

• Flatulence - take your medicine right before or with meals and avoid foods and drinks responsible for it.

• Hypoglycemia - Carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects.

Key Facts about Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S

• Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients inadequately controlled by diet with or without hypoglycemic drugs
• Prescribed with other medicines to control sugar and avoid long term complications. 
• It is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age.
• It should be avoided in elderly, debilitated and malnourished patients.
• It works by inhibiting intestinal enzymes responsible for the breakdown of complex sugars into simpler ones such as glucose. Thereby, preventing blood glucose levels from rising too high post meals. 
• Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S is best known to be taken right before or with meals to avoid post meal hypoglycemia.
• Some people have shown to lose weight when taking Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S.
• Matter of concern arises when you experience signs like hypoglycemia, skin rashes or an allergic reaction and a fall in platelet count. In that case contact your doctor immediately.
• It is important for your doctor to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, along with repeated tests to prevent you from any complications. 
• Patients need to avoid alcohol intake and other anti diabetic medications like insulin, along with maintaining a good diet to prevent hypoglycemic events. 

 

FAQ's

1. What exactly does Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S do?

It is an anti-diabetic medication that works by inhibiting intestinal enzymes responsible for the breakdown of complex sugars into simpler ones such as glucose. Thereby, preventing blood glucose levels from rising too high post meals. 

2. How long does it take for Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S to start working?

It takes around 48hours for Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S to start working. Maximum efficacy is reached in 4-5 days depending on the dosage prescribed. Make sure to continue taking Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S as directed by your doctor.

3. WHY DOES {{PRODUCT}} CAUSE FLATULENCE?

By  blocking the digestion of carbohydrates, Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S causes accumulation of undigested carbohydrates in the colon. As a result of bacterial fermentation of the accumulated carbohydrates, the patient experiences flatulence and abdominal pain.

4. DOES {{PRODUCT}} AFFECT KIDNEYS?

It does not affect those with normal kidney function and hence, is safe to use for them.

5. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE {{PRODUCT}} FOR?

{{Product}} is usually prescribed for long term use, possibly life long. Your dosage and time period is decided by your doctor after knowing the severity of your condition. 

6. CAN I STOP TAKING {{PRODUCT}}?

This medicine largely controls your blood sugar levels, but does not cure your condition. Hence, do not just stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, otherwise your condition could possibly get worse.

7. IS IT NECESSARY TO TAKE {{PRODUCT}} WITH FOOD?

It is advised to take Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S  before or meals to prevent post meal hypoglycemia. 

8. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING {{PRODUCT}}?

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are on Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S as it can interfere with your treatment causing low blood sugar levels especially in aged patients and on occasions where you have skipped a meal.

9. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF {{PRODUCT}}?

An overdose of Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S temporarily exaggerates symptoms of diarrhoea, abdominal pain and flatulence. In such a situation, avoid having carbohydrate rich foods for the next 4-6 hours. 

10. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE {{PRODUCT}}?

Incase you miss a dose, take your next dose on time and do not try making up for the missed dose by doubling it up. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose.

11. CAN I TAKE {{PRODUCT}} DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S.

12. WHAT IF ‘PRODUCT’ IS NO LONGER WORKING?

The dose of ‘product’ is usually increased over time to manage your blood glucose levels. At times, ‘product’ alone might not be effective and in that case your doctor will prescribe a combination of medicines so that your body is more reactive to it. 

13. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING ‘PRODUCT’?

‘Product’ alone might not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike, but when given in combination with other medicines, it could result in low blood sugar levels resulting in loss of concentration vision impairment (your eyesight is affected). To be on the safe side, always carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

14. HOW LONG DO THE SIDE EFFECTS LAST FOR?

They usually develop during the first few weeks after taking ‘product’ but should gradually decrease, typically within a few days or a couple of weeks. Contact your doctor if they’re becoming severe or don’t go away at all.

15. HOW IS Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10 'S STORED?

Keep the medicine at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Make sure to keep it away from pets, children and other people.