Metformin is a prescription medicine. Diabetes are some of its major therapeutic uses.
Medical history of the patient along with age and gender determines the dosage of Metformin. Dosage also depends on the route of administration and your chief complaint for which the drug is prescribed. This information has been provided in detail in the dosage section.
The most common side effects of Metformin are Stomach Upset, Difficulty urinating. Some other side effects of Metformin have been listed ahead. Normally, these side effects of Metformin are not long lasting and go away when the treatment is finished. Consult your doctor if these side effects become worse or stay for a longer duration.
Metformin's effect during pregnancy is Mild and Moderate while nursing. It is important to know if Metformin has any effect on the kidney, liver and heart. Information on such adverse effects, if any, has been given in the Metformin related warnings section.
Individuals suffering from medical conditions like Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Anemia, Shock must refrain from the use of Metformin since this can cause severe adverse effects. Some other conditions that can be affected by Metformin are listed in the contraindications section below.
Drug interactions for Metformin have been reported in the medical literature. See below for a complete list.
Along with the above-mentioned precautions, remember that taking Metformin is considered safe while driving, and is addictive.
Metformin is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
| Age Group | Dosage |
| Adult |
|
| Geriatric |
|
| 13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
| 2 - 12 years (Child) |
|
Is the use of Metformin safe for pregnant women?
Pregnant women may get mild side effects from Metformin.
Is the use of Metformin safe during breastfeeding?
Metformin may lead to some side effects in breastfeeding women. If you witness any unusal symptoms after taking Metformin, discontinue its use and call your doctor right away. Follow your doctor's advice regarding the use of Metformin.
What is the effect of Metformin on the Kidneys?
Metformin does not damage the kidneys.
What is the effect of Metformin on the Liver?
Metformin is completely safe for the liver.
What is the effect of Metformin on the Heart?
Metformin is completely safe for the heart.
Metformin should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Severe
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Metformin unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Metformin habit forming or addictive?
Forming a habit of Metformin has not been reported.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
Metformin will not make you feel sleepy or drowsy. So you drive or operate machinery safely.
Is it safe?
Yes, but consume Metformin only on doctor's advice.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
Metformin is unable to treat or cure mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Metformin
Due to a lack of research, nothing can be said about the consequences of taking Metformin together with food.
Interaction between Alcohol and Metformin
Consuming Metformin with alcohol can have many serious effects on your body.
Yes, Metformin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, this can also occur if you delay or miss a meal, drink alcohol, exercise more than usual, can't eat due to stomach upset, and taking other antidiabetic medicine with metformin. So, regular monitoring of blood glucose level is needed and be cautious of symptoms of hypoglycemia, always keep glucose-rich food with you.
The long-term use can lead to the deficiency of Vitamin B12, which can further lead to megaloblastic anemia. Furthermore, Long-term Metformin use can also lead to kidney and liver problems.
Lactic acidosis associated with Metformin treatment is a rare but fatal adverse effect. Lactic acidosis appears to result from biguanide interference causing an increase in production and decrease in clearance of lactate leading to higher cellular lactate levels. A decrease in pyruvate carboxylase activity, the rate-limiting enzyme in the formation of glucose from lactate, can also decrease hepatic metabolism of lactate. leading to increasing lactic acidosis. Signs and symptoms of Metformin induced lactic acidosis are nonspecific and include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, hyperpnoea, abdominal pain, and thirst.
Yes, Metformin can cause night sweat, the exact mechanism of sweating is not known. But some research suggests that Metformin causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) especially at night which can cause night sweats. Need to monitor your blood glucose level regularly, and talk to your doctor as your dose of Metformin may need to be adjusted.
Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program, to treat diabetes. It is also used with other medication to reduce the high blood sugar. It is used in a patient with type2 diabetes. It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and cancer.
This medicine data has been created by -
References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Glucophage® (metformin hydrochloride)
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 275-276
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 825-826
