Glucophage (Metformin)

What is Glucophage?

Glucophage (metformin) is an oral antihyperglycemic medicine used in the management of type-2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). It belongs to a group of drugs known as biguanides.

What is Glucophage used for?

Glucophage is used to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. This helps in preventing kidney damage, blindness, loss of limbs, nerve problems and sexual disorders. It may also reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

How does Glucophage work?

Glucophage works by restoring body’s response to naturally-produced insulin and by reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestines.

How to use Glucophage

Glucophage should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken with a full glass of water. It is taken once daily with food, usually with evening meal. Do not crush, break or chew the tablet. Swallow it. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis.

Glucophage warnings and precautions

Do not take Glucophage if you are allergic to metformin. Also avoid taking the drug if you have a kidney disease or you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Prior to taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart attack or liver disease.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Glucophage as it lowers blood sugar and enhances the risk of lactic acidosis.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use the drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Glucophage dose?

If you have missed your Glucophage dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Glucophage overdose?

An overdose of Glucophage may cause a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. If you have taken a Glucophage overdose you should seek emergency medical attention.

Glucophage interactions

Before taking Glucophage, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), furosemide (Lasix), digoxin (Lanoxin), ranitidine (Zantac) or cimetidine (Tagamet), triamterene (Dyrenium) or amiloride (Midamor), morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, Oramorph), quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute), vancomycin (Vancocin, Lyphocin), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl, Procanbid), or trimethoprim (Proloprim, Primsol, Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra).

If you take Glucophage with other drugs that increase blood sugar, you may get hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Therefore avoid taking those drugs with Glucophage. The list of such drugs include diuretics (water pills), steroids (prednisone), thyroid medicine (Synthroid), birth control pills, isoniazid, phenothiazines (Compazine), seizure medicines (Dilantin), diet pills or other medicines that are used to treat asthma, cold or allergies.

You may get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you use Glucophage with other drugs that lower blo

Glucophage side effects

Glucophage side effects include symptoms of lactic acidosis (such as slow heart rate, drowsiness, cold feeling, fainting); hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Glucophage, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Mild exertion, fever, chills, swelling, body ache, weight gain or flu symptoms are also side effects from Glucophage.

Mild nausea, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach pain, weakness and gas are some less serious side effects of Glucophage.