METFORMIN – Classification, uses, dosages, common side effects, interaction, generic and brand name
CLASSIFICATION: biguanide
USES:
It is used for treating type-2 diabetes and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
It can be taken or given orally.
DOSAGES:
Adult dosage (18 years and above)
Starting dosage: 500 mg, twice per day, or 850 mg, once per day as per doctor’s advice. Take your doses with meals. Dosage may vary per person according to their medical needs. Dosage can be taken or given as per physician’s advice.
Pediatric dosage: as per physician’s guidance. Normally kids above 10 years age 500 mg can be given daily after meal, but has to be discussed with the doctor according to their medical condition. Metformin is not advisable for kids below 10 years has there is no study or research on this.
Senior citizen (80 years and above): People aged 80 years and above should not take metformin unless they have normal kidney function. People at these ages have a higher risk of lactic acidosis.
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NOTE: Dosages can be given or taken as per physician’s instructions and guidance that depends upon the patient’s health condition
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Mild side effects are
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Heart burn
- Gastric
- Nausea
Serious Side effects (rarely occurs) are
- Lactic acidosis
- Low blood sugar level
INTERACTIONS:
Drugs(to name a few) that may interact with metformin include:
Most drugs results to low blood sugar levels if taken along with metformin, some drugs will react slowly to lower the blood glucose level. Check with your doctor for better understanding about the interactions with these drugs before taking them along with metformin
- Insulin
- Levothyroxine
- Liotrix
- Liothyronine
- Furosemide
- Nifedipine
- Nicotinic acid
- Methazolamide
- Phenytoin
- Cimetidine
- Fluphenazine
- Chlorpromazine
- Prochlorperazine
- Birth control pills
- Estradiol
- Budesonide
- Betamethasone
- Prednisone
- Fluticasone
- Isoniazid
- Brinzolamide
- Acetazolamide
- Dorzolamide
- Topiramate
GENERIC NAME: metformin
BRAND NAME: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet, ava metformin, Dm2, metformin hydrochloride, glumet tab, gluformin XL, metanorm
