Glucophage (Metformin)

General information

Glucophage is prescribed for treatment of type 2 of diabetes. The medicine has as its main ingredient Metformin that belongs to biguanide class of substances. Metformin works reducing glucose concentration in blood. It suppresses metabolism of glucose in the liver, reducing absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract, and enhances its utilization in tissues. As a result it reduces body weight. The medicine is recommended for the usage by patients whose sulfonylurea treatment was ineffective.

Directions

It is recommended to take the medicine as it was prescribed by your doctor. Take it with meal. The recommended dose is 500 mg or 850 mg one time per day to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Depending on the glucose levels in the blood the dose of Glucophage can be increased to the maximum daily dose of 2550 mg divided in three doses.

Precautions

Be careful using the medicine as it can cause the following conditions: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heartbeat, cold feeling, muscle pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed, and fainting. Don't drink alcoholic beverages. Also be careful with symptoms of low blood sugar which include hunger, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, headache, weakness, fast heartbeat, tremors, sweating, seizure and have a source of sugar at hand always.

Contraindications

Patients with the following conditions can't use the medicine: hypersensitivity, hyperglycemic coma, ketoacidosis, kidney failure, liver disease, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, dehydration, infectious diseases, extensive surgery and trauma, alcoholism, reduced-calorie diet, lactic acidosis (including history), pregnancy, breastfeeding. Middle aged people more than 60 y.o. shouldn't use the medicine.

Side effects

Side effects can be the following: swelling or rapid weight gain, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea and loss of appetite. In case of lactic acidosis also get emergency medical help: weakness, increasing drowsiness, slow heartbeat, cold feeling, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, muscle pain, lightheadedness, fainting, hives, swelling, rash.

Drug interaction

Glucophage can interact with the following medicines: Cimetidine, Furosemide, derivatives of sulfonylurea, insulin, acarbose, MAO inhibitors, oxytetracycline, cyclophosphamide and salicylates, thyroid medicines, birth control pills and other hormones, Epinephrine, Glucagon, thiazide diuretics, nicotinic acid derivates.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time of the next intake just skip it and go back to your schedule.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are low blood sugar: hunger, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, headache, weakness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.