Blogs

Generic Name : METFORMIN

ABSTRACT –

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.