Acarbose
Precose (acarbose) is an oral diabetes medication used to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor class and is typically prescribed alongside diet and exercise to help manage the condition.
Precose is a diabetes medication that slows carbohydrate digestion to help control blood sugar levels after meals.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 151826
- Generic
- Precose
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Precose is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It is used in conjunction with diet modification and, when necessary, other diabetes medications to improve glycemic control. It is particularly effective at reducing postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose spikes.
Precose works by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine that are responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates and disaccharides into simple sugars. By slowing carbohydrate digestion and absorption, it reduces the rapid rise in blood glucose that typically occurs after eating.
Precose should be taken with the first bite of each main meal. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort due to undigested carbohydrates reaching the colon. It is contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal disorders causing disturbed motility, or chronic intestinal diseases. Hypoglycemia is less likely when used as monotherapy but may occur when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy