METFORMIN

Metformin is a drug that is used to treat diabetes mellitus type 2. It is known as a biguanide with antihyperglycemic effects. It decreases glucose production in the liver by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. It also delays intestinal absorption of glucose and enhances insulin sensitivity in the body tissues.

Uses

Metformin is used in the treatment of the following conditions:

Type 2 diabetes
Prediabetes
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Female infertility
Gestational diabetes

Warnings

Metformin should not be used in people with the following conditions:

Patients with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis with or without coma
Intravascular administration of iodinated contrast agents
Kidney impairment

Side Effects

Metformin may give rise to the following side effects:

Anorexia
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Taste disturbance
Hepatitis
Decreased vitamin B12 absorption (rare)
Erythema
Pruritus
Urticaria
Lactic acidosis

Precautions

Precautions

Special precautions should be observed by people with the following conditions:

Patient with heart failure requiring drug therapy
Cardiac or respiratory failure
Recent heart attack
Shock
Patient exposed to stress-related states (example fever, trauma, infection, surgery)
Liver impairment
Elderly
Pregnancy
Lactation

Interactions

Metformin may interact with the following medicines:

Sulfonylureas
Thiazide diuretics
Corticosteroids
Phenothiazines
Oral contraceptives
Sympathomimetics
Niacin
Calcium channel blockers
Isoniazid
ACE inhibitors
Cimetidine

Overdose & Brands

Symptoms of Metformin overdose include the following:

Hypoglycemia
Lactic acidosis

Seek medical help immediately.

Available Brands:

Formet 500, Formetin, Fornidd, Glucophage, Gludin, Glumet, Hovid, Humamet, I-Max, Insumed, Ansures ER, Diafat, Dimet-500, Euform, Glucoform, Glucogen, Glucomed, Glucotin, Glyformin