Introduction About GLUCOBAY 50MG TABLET

Glucobay 50mg Tablet contains Acarbose, an anti-diabetic medication used to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates in the intestine, managing a sharp rise in blood glucose after meals.

Glucobay 50mg Tablet is used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, helps reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. It also can be used alone or in combination with other diabetic medications.

Acarbose and its role in managing diabetes:

Acarbose works by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine. It inhibits enzymes (specifically alpha-glucosidase) that convert complex carbohydrates into glucose. As a result, it:

• reduces the rise in blood sugar levels after meals (postprandial hyperglycemia)
• helps maintain more stable blood glucose levels throughout the day
• lowers the risk of diabetes-related complications over time

Glucobay 50mg should be taken orally with the first bite of a main meal. Dosage should be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Glucobay 50mg Tablet is not suitable for patients with chronic intestinal disorders. Monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Along with Glucobay 50mg Tablet, your doctor might advise you to do some lifestyle changes and cut down your sugar intake by restricting the diet. Prior to the management your doctor may take up several blood tests to better assess your condition.

The most common side effects are flatulence (gas), abdominal discomfort or diarrhea. Consult your doctor if side effects persist or worsen.

Key Composition

Acarbose

Uses Of GLUCOBAY 50MG TABLET

Used to manage:

• Type 2 Diabetes mellitus
• Postprandial blood sugar control

Benefits of GLUCOBAY 50MG TABLET

1. Management of type 2 Diabetes mellitus:

• Glucobay 50mg is primarily prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes
• It works by slowing down carbohydrate digestion, leading to better control of blood glucose levels, especially after meals

2. Helps reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes:

• One of Glucobay’s main advantages is its ability to manage sharp increases in blood sugar after eating (postprandial hyperglycemia). This helps maintain a more stable blood glucose profile throughout the day

3. Can be used alone or in combination with other diabetic medications:

• Glucobay 50mg can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other diabetes management such as metformin, insulin, or sulfonylureas. This makes it a versatile option for personalized diabetes management plans

How GLUCOBAY 50MG TABLET Works

Glucobay 50mg helps in lowering down the abnormally high blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates. It acts on the intestinal walls and pancreas and stops the action and absorption of certain enzymes (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidases). By managing this activity Glucobay 50mg reduces postprandial (after meals) blood glucose and insulin levels.

How to use GLUCOBAY 50MG TABLET

Recommended dosage of Glucobay 50mg:

• Starting dose: One Glucobay 50mg tablet, once or twice daily, with the first bite of a main meal
• Maintenance dose (after evaluation): Usually 50 mg to 100 mg three times daily, taken at the start of each main meal
• Dosage may be gradually increased based on blood glucose monitoring and tolerance
• The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg three times a day (i.e., 300 mg/day)
• Take at the beginning of a meal (not before or after) to maximize its effect on carbohydrate digestion

How to take Glucobay 50mg:

• Take Glucobay 50mg with the first bite of your main meal 
• Glucobay must be taken at the start of a main meal, not before or after eating
• Chew the tablet with the first few bites of food or swallow it whole with a little water
• Always eat your regular meals to avoid sugar crashes

When to take and with what foods:

• Glucobay 50mg should be taken at the beginning of each main meal, typically three times a day
• Do not take it on an empty stomach or between meals, it does not work effectively and may cause stomach discomfort
• Since Glucobay acts on carbohydrates, it is most effective when taken with meals that contain starches or sugars, such as cooked rice, roti, chapati, or bread, potatoes, sweet potatoes, fruits (bananas, apples), milk, yogurt (natural sugar), lentils, beans, or peas

What if I forgot to take GLUCOBAY 50MG TABLET

• If you miss a dose during a meal, take it as soon as you remember while still eating
• If the meal has already finished, skip the missed dose
• Do not take it between meals or double up later

Overdose

Overdosage Symptoms:

• severe flatulence (gas)
• excessive gas due to fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the colon
• abdominal discomfort or pain
• cramping and bloating, especially in the lower abdomen
• diarrhea
• loose or watery stools caused by unabsorbed carbohydrates
• distention (swelling of the belly)
• feeling of fullness or tightness due to trapped gas

What to do in case of overdose:

• Do not eat or drink simple sugars (like sucrose or table sugar) as they can worsen GI symptoms
• Drink water to stay hydrated and help flush the system
• Seek immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent
• Avoid food for a few hours under guidance to minimize fermentation effects

Side Effects Of GLUCOBAY 50MG TABLET

Common side effects of Glucobay 50mg Tablet:

• flatulence (gas)
• abdominal discomfort
• diarrhea

Rare:

• skin rash

How To Manage Side Effects

Bloating

• Take Glucobay 50mg Tablet with meals containing moderate carbs and high fiber to ease digestion
• Teas like ginger tea, peppermint tea, fennel seed tea and chamomile tea can help soothe digestion and relieve gas
• Drink enough water throughout the day to aid digestion and ease bowel movements

Diarrhea

• Drink plenty of water, clear soups, or oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
• Add a pinch of salt and sugar to water if ORS is unavailable to maintain electrolyte balance
• Break meals into smaller portions and eat more frequently to ease digestion and reduce strain on the gut

Stomach Discomfort

• Stick to light, low-fat, and high-fiber meals to reduce digestive strain
• Avoid heavy, oily, or overly spicy foods, which can worsen discomfort
• Try a 10-15 minute walk post-meal to ease discomfort

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

Acarbose is classified as Pregnancy Category B by the FDA. Limited data is available on the use of Acarbose in pregnant women. Most available reports do not show direct harm to the fetus, but due to the lack of controlled studies, it is generally not the first-line drug for managing gestational diabetes. Always consult your doctor before starting or continuing Glucobay 50mg Tablet.

Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor

It is unknown whether Acarbose passes into human breast milk. In animal studies, a small amount was detected in milk, but no adverse effects were seen in offspring. Due to the local action in the gut and minimal absorption into the bloodstream, systemic exposure in breastfed infants is likely very low.

Driving and Using Machines

Safe

Glucobay 50mg Tablet is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Kidney

Use with Caution

Glucobay 50mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease.

Liver

Contraindicated

Glucobay 50mg Tablet is generally not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take Glucobay 50mg Tablet if you are allergic to Acarbose or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

Glucobay 50mg is generally not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age).

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

Glucobay 50mg should be used with caution in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before taking Glucobay 50mg Tablet.

Who should not take [GBNKEYWORD

Glucobay 50mg is not recommended for use if you have:

• ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease (inflammation or ulceration of intestine)
• intestinal obstruction
• digestion and absorption issues
• large hernia

Diet and Lifestyle Advice

Foods to eat and avoid while taking Glucobay 50mg Tablet:

• High-Fiber Foods: whole grains: oats, quinoa, barley, lentils, chickpeas, black beans, broccoli, spinach, kale, cauliflower
• Fruits (in moderation): apples, berries, pears (with skin)
• Low-Glycemic Index (GI) Foods: brown rice, whole wheat bread, sweet potatoes
• Non-starchy vegetables
• Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
• Lean Protein Sources: skinless chicken, turkey, eggs, fish (especially fatty fish like salmon)
• Healthy fats: avocados, nuts and seeds (almonds, chia, flaxseed), olive oil, canola oil

Foods to avoid:

• Simple sugars, refined carbs
• White bread, white rice, regular pasta
• Sugary cereals, pastries, cakes
• Candy, cookies, soda, fruit juices
• High-fat, processed food - fast food, fried foods
• Processed meats (bacon, sausages)
• Packaged snacks (chips, crackers)

Glycemic index guides:

• Low GI (≤55) – Best choice, slow digestion, steady sugar levels
• Medium GI (56–69) – Moderate impact on blood sugar
• High GI (≥70) – Rapid spikes in sugar, should be limited

Exercise tips to improve medication effectiveness:

• walking - 30 minutes, 5 days a week
• strength training - 2-3 times a week
• cycling - 30–45 minutes, 3-5 times a week
• swimming (gentle & effective for joints) - 30–45 minutes, 3 times a week
• high-intensity interval training (HIIT) - 15–20 minutes, 3 times a week

Drug - Drug interaction

Interactions with Other Medications:

Drug - Food interaction

• Household sugars (like table sugar/sucrose) and foods high in simple carbohydrates (e.g., sweets, soft drinks, pastries) can worsen gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, gas, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort

• Why: Glucobay works by slowing the breakdown of complex carbs into glucose. When simple sugars are consumed, they bypass Glucobay’s mechanism and can ferment in the gut, leading to discomfort

Synopsis

More Information

Shelf Life:

The typical shelf life of Glucobay 50mg Tablet is:

• 2 to 3 years (24–36 months) from the date of manufacture (Exact duration may vary by manufacturer-always check the packaging)

Related products or you may also like:

• ACARBOZ 50 Tablet
• ACARPRO 50 Tablet 10's
• GLUCODAC 50 Tablet 10's
• GLUCOTAG 50 MG Tablet

Alcohol Interaction: While moderate alcohol does not directly interact with Acarbose, it can:

• Increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when combined with insulin or other antidiabetics
• Worsen liver function, which may be concerning since Glucobay is partially metabolized by the liver

How Glucobay compares to Metformin or Voglibose:

FAQs About GLUCOBAY 50MG TABLET

Q: Can Glucobay 50mg Tablet be used alone to manage diabetes mellitus type 2?

A: No. Glucobay 50mg Tablet used in the management of diabetes mellitus type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet or when diet and other sugar lowering medications are not working properly. Your doctor will be able to better understand your condition and manage accordingly.

Q: What should I do in case of a missed dose?

A: If you forgot to take a dose of Glucobay 50mg Tablet then do not take the missed dose between meals. Wait until your next scheduled dose and meal and continue taking your medicine as per normal. Do not take a double dose of medicine to make up for a forgotten dose.

Q: Is overdose of Glucobay 50mg Tablet likely to cause Hypoglycaemia?

A: No. Overdose of Glucobay 50mg Tablet is unlikely to cause hypoglycaemia (abnormally low levels of sugar). However, it may worsen the gastrointestinal effects (flatulence, diarrhoea, abdominal pain).

Q: Can Glucobay 50mg Tablet be taken long-term?

A: Yes, Glucobay 50mg can be taken long-term, as long as it is effective and well-tolerated.

Q: Can Glucobay 50mg Tablet be used in children and adolescents?

A: No. Glucobay 50mg Tablet is not recommended to use in children and adolescents (below 18 years of age).

Q: What precautions do I need to follow while taking Glucobay 50mg Tablet?

A: Patients taking Glucobay 50mg Tablet should inform their doctor if they have any pre-existing kidney or liver disease, inflammation or ulceration in the bowel, intestine disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, or hernia.

Q: What is Glucobay 50mg Tablet and how does it work?

A: Glucobay 50mg Tablet works by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates which lower down the abnormally high blood sugar levels which rises after each meal. Along with the management your doctor might advise you to do some lifestyle changes and cut down your sugar intake by restricting diet.

Q: Who should avoid using Glucobay 50mg Tablet?

A: Do not take Glucobay 50mg Tablet if you are allergic to it, pregnant or breast-feeding women, have inflammation or ulceration in the bowel, an obstruction in intestines, or have a severe liver disorder or an intestine disease where you do not digest or absorb food properly. It is also not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years).

Q: Does Glucobay 50mg Tablet affects kidney?

A: Glucobay 50mg Tablet is fully excreted by kidneys without complications. But caution should be practiced by patients suffering from kidney disorders while taking this medicine.

Q: What are the common side effects of Glucobay 50mg Tablet?

A: The most common side effects are flatulence, growling in stomach, stomach pain or abdominal cramps, feeling of fullness or diarrhoea.

Q: Where can I buy Glucobay 50mg Online?

A: You can purchase Glucobay 50mg Tablet 10'S from licensed pharmacy or online platform like Netmeds. Always ensure you are buying from a verified source.

Q: Is Glucobay 50mg safe?

A: Yes. when taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow dietary and exercise recommendations.

Q: Can I take Glucobay 50mg on an empty stomach?

A: No. Glucobay 50mg should be taken with the first bite of your meal to be effective.

Q: Does Glucobay 50mg Tablet affects the liver?

A: Glucobay is not inherently toxic to the liver in most people. It is not metabolized through the liver like many other drugs. So it mostly works in the gut to slow carbohydrate absorption.

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Insulin, Oral Hypoglycaemic Drugs and Glucagon. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page-279.

2. Lindsey A. McIver; Jayson Tripp. Acarbose. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. August 2021. [Accessed on 23rd April 2025] 

3. Bluepharma Indústria Farmacêutica S.A. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2016] [Accessed on 23rd April 2025] 

4. McDermott Laboratories Ltd, Generics [UK] Ltd, Mylan Hungary kf. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised in July 2015] [Accessed on 23rd April 2025] 

5. Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). [Revised on March 2011] [Accessed on 23rd April 2025] 

User Feedback

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Random Blood Sugar (RBS)
• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)
• Post Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS)
• Sugar Risk Package
• HbA1C, Also known as Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin

Author Details

Written By Dr. Janet.C - Pharm.D

Reviewed By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD(Pharmacology) View profile

Last updated on 25 Apr 2025 | 03:48 PM(IST)