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Acarbose

Prescription

Antidiabetic Agent (Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Competitively inhibits pancreatic alpha-amylase and intestinal brush border alpha-glucosidases, delaying digestion of complex carbohydrates and reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes. Does not stimulate insulin secretion.

At a glance

Class

Antidiabetic Agent (Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Adjunct to insulin therapy for poorly regulated diabetic dogs

Dose

12.5–25 mg/dog

Route

Frequency

q8–12h (with each meal)

🐈

Cat

Limited feline data

Dose

—

Route

Frequency

q8–12h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucose curvesHepatic enzymes every 3–6 monthsGI toleranceBody weight

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Prednisolone

moderate

Steroid-induced hepatic gluconeogenesis increases fasting glucose. Acarbose only reduces postprandial glucose absorption — cannot compensate for steroid effect.

Management: Monitor glucose. Acarbose alone insufficient for steroid-induced hyperglycemia.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Precose

Glucobay

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Acarbose?

Acarbose is a antidiabetic agent (alpha-glucosidase inhibitor) used in pets. Competitively inhibits pancreatic alpha-amylase and intestinal brush border alpha-glucosidases, delaying digestion of complex carbohydrates and reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes. Does not stimulate insulin secretion.

›What is Acarbose used for in pets?

Acarbose is used in veterinary medicine for: Adjunct to insulin therapy for poorly regulated diabetic dogs; Limited feline data.

›What is the Acarbose dose for dogs?

For dogs, Acarbose is typically dosed as follows — Adjunct to insulin therapy for poorly regulated diabetic dogs: 12.5–25 mg/dog PO q8–12h (with each meal). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Acarbose dose for cats?

For cats, Acarbose is typically dosed as follows — Limited feline data: undefined undefined PO q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Acarbose need a prescription?

Yes. Acarbose is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database