Overview
Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. According to Mayo Clinic, this oral medication may be taken alone or in combination with other antidiabetic products to decrease the amount of sugar in the blood and help the body use food to produce energy. Drugs.com, an online drug reference, lists the brand names of metformin as Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza and Riomet.
Proper Use
Drugs.com encourages patients to take metformin exactly as prescribed. Changes in doses should only be made by a health care provider. Drugs.com states metformin should be taken with the evening meal unless otherwise instructed. Metformin alone will not gain the most benefits. Diet, exercise and weight control should be part of the treatment program. Drugs.com discourages crushing, chewing or breaking the extended-release form of metformin (Glucophage XR). Testing blood sugars at regular intervals will be required to ensure proper dosage and effect of medication.
Precautions
Mayo Clinic advises against consuming alcohol while taking metformin. The combination of alcohol and metformin may cause the blood sugar to drop too low. Do not take other prescription or over-the counter medications without first consulting a health care provider. Mayo Clinic states metformin may be discontinued prior to surgery or other medical tests that involve X-rays. The health care provider may ask the patient to withhold metformin for two days after a procedure. During this time, the patient may be instructed to take insulin. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is another problem associated with diabetes. A decrease in exercise, an infection, a fever or a skipped dose of metformin may cause blood sugar to rise. According to Mayo Clinic, suspected high blood sugar should be verified by checking blood sugar levels. Notify a health care provider if blood sugar is high. Metformin should not be taken by patients with kidney disease or kidney failure.
Side Effects
Metformin is designed to help lower blood sugar. Drugs.com states hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause symptoms of drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heart rate, hunger, headache, confusion, seizure, fainting and coma. Extremely low blood sugar can cause death. Mayo Clinic lists other rare side effects of metformin as loss of strength and lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is characterized by diarrhea, rapid shallow breathing, muscle pain, sleepiness and unusual weakness. According to Mayo Clinic, more common side effects include loss of appetite, heartburn, weight loss, passing gas, stomachache, vomiting and metallic taste in mouth.
Availability
According to Drugs.com, metformin is available by prescription in a tablet form. Common dosage strengths include 500 mg, 850 mg and 1,000 mg.
Federal Approval
Metformin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
