Metformin

Other names used:

• Glucophage®

Active Ingredients:

• Metformin Hydrochloride

The commercial name of the medication may differ from the brand one. Generic Metformin manufactured by Mankind Pharma is available under commercial name Metname.

How does Metformin work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Metformin is an hypoglycemic drug that belongs to a group of biguanidines. It works by decreasing the concentration of glucose in the blood through inhibition of gluconeogeneisis in the liver, decreasing the absorption of glucose from the GI tract and the utilization of glucose in the tissues. If Insulin is absent in the blood then metformin does not exert any effects. The drug stabilizes and decreases body weight.

Which conditions are treated with Metformin?

The preparation is indicated in treatment of Diabetes mellitus type II. Especially in cases which are accompanied by obesity.

What should a patient know before using Metformin?

The Metformin should not be used in cases of:

• Hypersensitivity to any components of the preparation
• Hyperglycemic coma
• Ketoacidosis
• Chronic liver failure
• Acute myocardial infraction
• Respiratory disorder
• Dehydration
• Infectious disease of different origin
• Surgery
• Pregnancy
• Lactation period
• Low calorie diet

The preparation should be used with caution in:

• Elderly patients older then 60 years
• Patients performing difficult physical activity

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The side effects of Metformin include:

• Gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, decreased appetite, dyspepsiam meteorism, abdominal pain
• Metabolism: lactic acidosis, avitaminosis B12
• Haemopoietic organs: megablast anemia
• Allergic reactions: skin rash

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Metformin?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Ethanol
• Anticoagulants
• H2-histamine receptor blockers
• MAO inhibitors
• Other diabetes treatments
• Antibiotics
• ACE inhibitors
• Increased cholesterol treatment
• Oral contraceptives
• Corticosteroids
• Adrenomimetics
• Thyroid gland hormones
• Diuretics
• NSAID's
• Narcotic analgesics
• Antivirals
• Neuroleptics

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient:

Metformin is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.