Generic Name : METFORMIN ABSTRACT – GLUCOPHAGE is used by diabetic patients to control sugar levels in blood....
Glucophage
GLUCOPHAGE is used by diabetic patients to control sugar levels in blood. It is used along with a recommended diet and exercise to help reduce and control blood sugar levels in adults who have type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. It also minimizes the risk of kidney damage, loss of sight, nerve problems, sexual problems, heart attacks.
DOSAGE –
- Glucophage has to be taken as directed by the doctors
- Adult dosages: Oral Tablet: 500 mg orally twice a day or 850 mg once a day, given with meals.
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Abdominal discomfort
- Cough
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Fast breathing
- Fever
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Stomach ache
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- General feeling of discomfort
- Back pain
- Sleepiness
RARE SIDE EFFECTS
- Change in behavior
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Drowsiness
- Lack of strength
- Restlessness
- Unusual sleepiness
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Diatrizoate
- Gatifloxacin
- Iodamide
- Iodipamide
- Iodixanol
- Iohexol
- Iopamidol
- Iopromide
- Iothalamate
- Ioversol
- Ioxaglate
- Ioxilan
- Metrizamide
Glucophage has major interactions with 13 different drugs.
MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Atazanavir
- Crizotinib
- Dabrafenib
- Furosemide
- Isoproterenol
- Ketoprofen
- Sulindac
- Tacrolimus
- Vorinostat
- Warfarin
- Ziprasidone
- Tafenoquine
- Quinidine
- Ramipril
- Norgestrel
- Octreotide
- Ketorolac
- Lanreotide
- Gemifloxacin
- Daclatasvir
- Benazepril
Glucophage has moderate interactions with 289 different drugs.
PRECAUTIONS –
- Avoid the drug during x-ray or CT scan which involves injecting dye into veins.
- This drug contains inactive ingredients which may result in allergic reactions. So a pharmacist must be consulted before consuming it if the patient is allergic to metformin.
- It is necessary to discuss any medical history related to kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, high level of ketone in blood or urine
- Use of this drug stimulates ovulation among premenopausal women which increases the risk of unplanned pregnancy.
- Since this drug makes a person dizzy so activities like driving and others which needs more attention should be avoided.
- Limit the consumption of alcohol.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION WITH GLUCOPHAGE:
- Use of Glucophage in pregnancy may be acceptable only if the benefits exceed the risks involved.
- Studies in animal pregnancy have shown adverse effects on fetus. But no adequate studies have been found in humans to access the damage involved
- Glucophage transfers into breast milk and mothers should not breast-feed as it may harm the infant.
WARNINGS –
- The use of this drug is not allowed if the patient has diabetic ketoacidosis.
- The medication might develop lactic acidosis in blood which can lead to symptoms like muscle pain, problem in breathing, weakness or dizziness
- The medicine is not recommended for children below 10 years of age.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.