Registered Nurse (RN) Endocrine Licensure Exam

When should Precose be taken for optimal effectiveness?

1. 1 hour prior to eating

2. 1 hour after eating

3. With the first bite of food

4. At bedtime

The correct answer is: With the first bite of food

Precose, known generically as acarbose, is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used primarily for the management of type 2 diabetes. It works by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates in the intestines, which helps control blood glucose levels after meals. For the medication to be most effective, it should be taken with the first bite of food. This timing ensures that the drug is present in the digestive system as carbohydrates begin to break down, allowing it to act immediately to inhibit the enzymes responsible for the digestion of these carbohydrates. Taking Precose at the correct time maximizes its therapeutic effect and helps in preventing post-meal spikes in blood glucose levels, which is crucial for patients managing diabetes. If taken too early or too late, the medication may not have the desired effect on carbohydrate absorption because the enzymes will have already begun breaking down the carbohydrates before the medication can act. Understanding the pharmacodynamics of Precose and its interaction with meals is essential for effective management of diabetes and is a key aspect of patient education in diabetes care.