Glucophage
Metformin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Glucophage
Glucophage or metformin is a biguanide group of antidiabetic medicine. It acts by decreasing the production of glucose in liver and also by reducing the intestinal absorption of sugar. It also makes our body more sensitive to insulin which is produced by our body naturally, so that insulin functions normally.
Therapeutic Uses of Glucophage
Glucophage is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used with exercise and diet. It can be used along with insulin or other oral anti diabetic medicines or it can be used alone. Glucophage is most suitable for diabetic patients who are also obese because it helps in reducing your body weight.
Direction of use of Glucophage
Use Glucophage as your doctor tells you. Glucophage should be taken immediately after food. Take it regularly at the same time everyday to get the best result and also to help you to remember it to take. Do not stop taking Glucophage even if you feel better and do not miss a dose of it.
Check the label of the medicine for instructions of use. An extra leaflet is also provided for patient information. If you have any question about the use of Glucophage, consult your doctor or other health care provider.
If You Miss a Dose of Glucophage
If you miss a dose of Glucophage, take it as soon as you remember it. Skip the missed dose if it is very long time and near time for the next dose. Follow the usual dosing schedule after skipping the missed dose. Do not take double dose of Glucophage if you miss a dose.
How to Store Glucophage
Glucophage should be stored at room temperature. Keep it in a dry, cool and dark place and keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Glucophage
If you have any query about Glucophage, talk to your doctor or other health care provider. If you do not get any improvement of result, consult your doctor, because you may have to increase the dose of Glucophage or add other anti diabetic medicines to it. Never share Glucophage with anyone. It should be used by the diabetic person for whom it is prescribed.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Glucophage
Do not take Glucophage if you have any of the medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients that are used in the manufacture of Glucophage.
- If you have to undergo surgical procedure or certain lab procedure.
- If you have congestive heart failure.
- If you are more than 80 years old and kidney function test is not normal or not done.
- If you are in shock, had a stroke or recent heart attack.
- If you are suffering from severe infection, kidney problem, liver problem, diabetic ketoacidosis, low blood oxygen levels, severe dehydration etc.
Some medical conditions may interact with Glucophage, and you should inform your doctor if you are suffering from any medical conditions listed below:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding.
- If you are taking non selective beta blockers like propranolol.
- If you are chronic alcoholic or history of alcohol abuse.
- If you will have surgery or some lab investigations.
- If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements.
- If you are allergic to any medicine other than Glucophage, any food or any other substance.
- If you have infection, moderate to severe burns or high fever.
- If you have vomiting, dehydration, anemia, poor nutrition or poor health, vitamin deficiency etc.
- If you have heart problem, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, GIT problem (paralysis, blockage), breathing problem (asthma), adrenal or pituitary problems.
Some medicines can interact with Glucophage. You should tell your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines listed below:
- The side effects of Glucophage may be increased by cimetidine, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycin, amiloride etc.
- Blood sugar level may fluctuate if you take medicines like calcium channel blockers (nifedipine), diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide etc.), phenothiazine (chlorpromazine), estrogen, hormonal contraceptives, phenytoin, thyroid hormones (T3 or levothyroxine), isoniazid, nicotinic acid, corticosteroids (prednisone) etc.
Possible Adverse Effects Glucophage
- Inform your doctor if you have any of the common side effects and they become bothersome and last very long. The common side effects of Glucophage are nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach upset, indigestion, diarrhea, temporary metallic taste in the mouth, bloating of stomach due to gas etc.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the serious side effects of Glucophage like severe allergic reactions (rash, itching; difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe dizziness or lightheadedness; muscle pain and muscle weakness; arrhythmia, persistent stomach pain, unusual tiredness or weakness, chest pain, fever, chills, persistent sore throat etc.
