Glucophage

Generic Name: Metformin

US Brand Name: Glucophage

Other Brand/Trade Names: Metformin is sold with the following brand names: Riomet, Fortamet, Glumetza, Diabex and Diaformin.

Uses

Metformin helps control blood sugar levels. Metformin is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Metformin is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Active Ingredients: metformin hydrochloride

Inactive Ingredients: povidone, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, and magnesium stearate.

Dosage and Forms

Metformin comes in form of tablet in the following dosage forms: 500 mg, 850 mg, or 1000 mg. Take this medication by mouth, usually twice a day with meals or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid or trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, and slow or irregular heartbeat.

Contraindications and Precautions

Do not use Metformin if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). Before taking Metformin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history of heart disease.

Side Effects

Metformin can rarely cause a serious (sometimes fatal) condition called lactic acidosis. Stop taking Metformin and seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis: unusual tiredness, severe drowsiness, chills, blue/cold skin, muscle pain, fast/difficult breathing, unusually slow/irregular heartbeat.

Interactions

Some medications may interact with Metformin. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs: furosemide (Lasix); nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia); cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac); amiloride (Midamor) or triamterene (Dyrenium); digoxin (Lanoxin); morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, Oramorph); procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl, Procanbid); quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute); trimethoprim (Proloprim, Primsol, Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra); or vancomycin (Vancocin, Lyphocin). Metformin can not be taken with drugs that raise or lower blood sugar.