Drug Uses

Precose is primarily used in treating type II diabetes. Precose is used if only proper diet and exercises cannot reduce conditions of type II diabetes. You may use it for treating other condition if prescribed by your doctor.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Precose with a meal to avoid an upset stomach or without one.

Please drink a full glass of water with Precose. In case if you are taking charcoal or digestive enzyme preparations then you should not take Precose till 2 – 4 hours. You may even use insulin therapy in stressful periods.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Precose is categorized as a glucosidase inhibitor. It restricts the action of the enzyme that converts carbohydrates into glucose thereby decreasing blood sugar after a meal.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Precose at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Overdose

An overdose of Precose may have adverse effects that require immediate medical attention. Contact the nearest emergency poison control center immediately if you notice any side effects.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Precose if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like
you are allergic to any ingredient in Precose;
you have blockage of the stomach or intestine or are at risk for these problems; you have long-term (chronic) bowel inflammation, colon ulcers, or stomach or intestine problems that interfere with digestion or nutrient absorption; you have cirrhosis of the liver or unexplained abnormal liver function tests; you have diabetic ketoacidosis (high ketone levels) or severe kidney problems.

You should consult your healthcare provider if you are already taking medicines like Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of their side effects, including bleeding, may be increased by Precose
Calcium channel blockers (eg, verapamil), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), phenytoin, sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), or thyroid hormone as they may decrease the expected effectiveness of Precose.

Insulin or sulfonylureas may actually increase the risk of side effects of Precose.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement, if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have stomach or intestinal problems, liver problems, or kidney problems

Precose may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Precose. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Precose. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Precose before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.


Precose is not useful for treating type I diabetes. Being a diabetic patient, it is always advisable that you carry an ID card on person that mentions about your condition and Precose usage.

For best results, it is important to bring about lifestyle changes and pair it with Precose. A healthy diet and regular exercise can work wonders with the way you respond to treatment.

Your blood sugar must be monitored regularly and if you find the levels of blood sugar fluctuating despite the treatment with Precose, then consult your doctor.

In some cases, it may lead to Low Blood Sugar. Symptoms like rapid heartbeats, vision changes, headaches, chills, or tremors, hunger are signs of your blood sugar plummeting low. If you notice any of these symptoms then quickly consume a source of sugar (table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non–diet soda) as this will help elevate your sugar levels quickly. Now seek medical attention.

Have your meals on time and you can easily avoid low blood sugar.