Metformin

Generic Name : Metformin

TradeName : Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : It is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes.It helps to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood.It is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.It works by decreasing the amount of sugar that the liver produces and the intestines absorb

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Do not take this medication if you are allergic to metformin, if you have renal disease or renal failure, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis Before taking this medication, consult your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have: • liver disease; or • a history of heart disease.

When it is to be taken : Metformin is given to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is also used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Missed a Dose? :
Take the missed dose at the earliest . If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the regular dose at scheduled time. Avoid taking extra dose to make up the missed dose.

How it should be taken :  Take metformin with a meal, unless your doctor instructs otherwise. Some forms of metformin may be taken only once daily with the evening meal. Swallow the pill in whole.

Special Instruction :
Follow the diet and exercise
program given by your doctor. It may cause dizziness. Do not drink alcohol beverages while taking this medication. It may lead to dehydration, drink plenty of water to avoid this problem. Monitor blood sugar regularly. Take your food properly, otherwise it will lead to low blood sugar.If it is so, drink honey, orange juice, candy, non-diet soda. Fever, infection, injury, or surgery may increase your risk for high or low blood sugar levels. It may commonly cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea,vomiting in initial stage of treatment. Caution need for elderly patients, children, and during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Side Effects :
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these following symptoms of lactic acidosis like weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. Consult your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: • feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; • swelling or rapid weight gain; or • fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Drug Interactions :
You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia if you are taking metformin with other drugs that can raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar were: • isoniazid; • diuretics); • steroids; • phenothiazines; • thyroid medicine ; • birth control pills and other hormones; • seizure medicines ; and • diet pills, or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies. You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia if you are taking metformin with other drugs that lower blood sugar. Drugs that can lower blood sugar include: • NSAIDs; • aspirin or other salicylates; • sulfa drugs • a monoamine oxidase inhibitor ; • beta-blockers • probenecid .

Storage Conditions :
Store tablets and oral solution at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).