Metformin
Description
Metformin is an anti-diabetic medicine. It is used to control high blood sugar levels due to type II Diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent). This consequently prevents the complications of diabetes such as blindness, kidney damage, stroke, and heart attack. The medicine works by improving the body’s response to insulin (a hormone that enables your body to use sugar) and decreasing glucose (sugar) production. Metformin is available as immediate-release and extended-release tablet forms and also as an oral solution.
Metformin shows some side effects like headache, taste change, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, weight loss, etc. This medicine can occasionally cause low blood glucose levels, the signs of which are sweating, dizziness, and shaking. To avoid the side effects, eat your meals on time and carry a fast-acting sugar source (sweet candy or fruit juice) for immediate relief.
Metformin should be taken with food to avoid any stomach discomfort. For the ease of remembering, take this medicine around the same time every day. Do not stop taking this medicine even if your sugar levels are normal, unless advised by your doctor. Metformin may not be safe for people with diabetic ketoacidosis (high amounts of acid in your blood), severe kidney or liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have these conditions. This medicine is potentially safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, if you are pregnant or nursing informs your doctor before taking this medicine.
Metformin will help you control your sugar level better if, along with this medicine you make sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, eating a high-fibre diet, and consuming less sugar-containing foods and beverages. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Your doctor may also recommend blood tests to check your blood cell count and liver function.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Metformin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Chest discomfort
- Headache
- Swollen joints
Uses of Metformin
What is it prescribed for?
- Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Metformin can be observed: Immediate-release: 2 to 3 hours ER tablet: 4 to 8 hours ER suspension: 3.5 to 6.5 hours
- Duration of effectMetformin remains active in your body for approximately 4 days.
- Safe with alcohol?You should avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol while treatment with Metformin. Alcohol intake may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (increased level of lactic acid in your blood), this can be serious and life-threatening.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Metformin.
- Usage in pregnancy?Metformin is generally safe during pregnancy. However, you should take this medicine only when prescribed by your doctor.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Metformin is considered to be safe during breastfeeding. However, you should take this medicine only when prescribed by your doctor.
Allergy
Do not take Metformin if you are allergic to it. A serious allergic reaction to this medicine is rare. But if you notice any symptoms like skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc, seek immediate medical attention.
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by excess acid in your blood. The condition is associated with symptoms such as headache, vomiting, increased heartbeat, etc. Do not take Metformin if you have metabolic acidosis as this medicine can worsen your condition.
Age above 80 years
Metformin is not recommended for use in individuals over the age of 80 unless they have normal kidney function.
Severe kidney disease
Avoid Metformin if you have kidney problems. This medicine is excreted by the kidney. An impaired kidney function can lead to the accumulation of medicine in the body. This can cause complications like lactic acidosis (acid build up in the blood).
Type 1 Diabetes mellitus
Metformin may not be effective in controlling your blood sugar level if you have type 1 Diabetes mellitus or insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus. Insulin injections are required to treat this condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Metformin is generally safe during pregnancy. However, you should take this medicine only when prescribed by your doctor.
Breast-feeding
Metformin is considered to be safe during breastfeeding. However, you should take this medicine only when prescribed by your doctor.
General warnings
Stress
If you are experiencing stressful conditions such as a fever, trauma, operations, or accidents, Metformin may not be effective in controlling your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may suggest you to discontinue your treatment till your condition gets better.
Diarrhoea
When you first start taking Metformin, you may experience diarrhoea or loose stools. This generally goes away with time. However, if the condition persists for an extended period of time, consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
Severe liver disease
Metformin is metabolised in the liver, and if your liver is not working correctly, it might cause a buildup of its metabolites, resulting in toxicity. Hence, take Metformin with caution if you have any persistent liver disease,
Use in children
Metformin is not recommended for use in children since the safety and efficacy data is not available.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of Metformin, make sure that you remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose of Metformin. If you suspect that you have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the nearest emergency medical department/hospital immediately.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine may increase the risk of lactic acidosis which is a severe condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
Instructions
You should avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol while treatment with Metformin. Alcohol intake may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (increased level of lactic acid in your blood), this can be serious and life-threatening.
Interaction with Medicine
Amlodipine
Estradiol
Gatifloxacin
Iodinated Contrast Media
Aloe Vera
Formoterol
Disease interactions
Vitamin B12 deficiency
If you are having vitamin B12 deficiency, take Metformin with caution. This medicine interferes with the absorption of Vitamin B12 in your body. Talk to your doctor if you are taking these medications together.
Heart diseases
If you have heart or blood vessel conditions, take Metformin with caution as it can increase the risk of heart failure.
Lactic Acidosis
If you are diagnosed with septicemia (blood poisoning by bacteria), kidney and heart problems, take Metformin with caution. This medicine may increase the risk of developing a condition called lactic acidosis (increased level of lactic acid in your blood). Hence, monitor your blood glucose levels, kidney and heart function during the treatment with this medicine.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in your blood glucose levels. If you are prone to having low blood glucose level episodes, take Metformin with caution. Monitor your blood glucose level regularly. Always carry a fast-acting sugar source (like sugar candy or fruit juice).
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Metformin with food. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet. Take the medicine as prescribed, do not take more or less than the prescribed dose.
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended during treatment with this medicine. You should always carry a sugar candy with you to counteract unexpected lowering of blood sugar levels.
Make sure to follow a strict diet regimen and exercise along with this medicine to achieve better results.
Prolonged use of Metformin may lead to a serious condition called lactic acidosis (increased level of lactic acid in your blood) which is triggered by risk factors like old age, impairment of kidney or liver, dehydration, heavy alcohol use, heart failure and exposure to X-ray and scanning procedures.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Metformin works by improving the body’s response to insulin (a hormone that enables your body to use sugar) and decreasing glucose (sugar) production from the liver. This helps in lowering the increased blood glucose levels.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Non-sulfonylureas, Oral Biguanides
Schedule
Schedule H
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Metformin. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 8 June 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Metformin: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 26 July 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Glucophage SR 500mg, 750mg and 1000mg prolonged release tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 8 June 2021].
Editor (2019). Metformin may help people with diabetes lose weight as it lowers their appetites. This guide describes how Metformin (Glucophage) acts to help reduce appetite. [online] Diabetes. Available at:
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - METFORMIN HCL tablet. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 August 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 5 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.