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GLUCOPHAGE - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
DRUG NAME: metformin
USE: Oral antidiabetic agent
This medicine is known as a biguanide which is indicated
for non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes. The mode of
action works mainly by inhibiting glucose production and
reducing it's absorption in the gut, hence lowering the
blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Metformin is the drug of choice in overweight patients
in whom strict dieting has been unsuccessful or has failed
to control diabetes. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels)
is not a problem with this medicine, and it has a lower
incidence of weight gain compared with other oral antidiabetic
agents (e.g. sulphonylureas).
Caution:
Liver and kidney impairment
Predisposition to lactic acidosis
Heart failure
Dehydration (maintain adequate fluid intake)
Alcoholics (restrict alcohol consumption)
Recent infection, trauma or surgery
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Side effects:
Occasional: stomach upset (nausea, diarrhoea), weight
loss, decreased vitamin B12 absorption.
Rarely: lactic acidosis (marked stomach upset/pain, loss
of appetite, hyperventilation). Seek urgent medical help.
Interactions:
Significant interactions occur with warfarin (enhances
anticoagulant effect) and alcohol (there is an increased
risk of lactic acidosis). Cimetidine can also cause hypoglycaemia
due to impaired excretion of metformin.
Patient information:
Follow the instructions on the label of this medicine
or as directed by your doctor.
Patient should be informed about diet, exercise and blood
glucose monitoring.
Food: Taken after meals
Alcohol: Avoid (increased risk of lactic acidosis)
Contact doctor or seek urgent medical help if side effects
are severe or ongoing.
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