What are Metformin Uses and Benefits?
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 10 years of experience
What is Metformin?
Metformin is a medication used for the treatment of high blood sugar levels that occurs in a type of diabetes, known as type 2 diabetes, which is a chronic or long-term condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar.
Metformin works by lowering the production of glucose in the liver, delaying the sugar or glucose absorption from the intestines, and increasing the sensitivity of the body to insulin. Metformin belongs to the biguanide group of drugs that are used for treating diabetes mellitus and reducing blood sugar (glucose) levels.
In this article, we will be discussing in detail about metformin.
- What are the uses of Metformin?
- When should Metformin not be used?
- What are the benefits of Metformin?
- How does Metformin work?
- What are the different forms of Metformin available?
- What is the recommended dosage of Metformin?
- What are the precautions needed while taking Metformin?
- What are the various drug interactions of Metformin?
- How does Metformin interact with food and alcohol?
- What are the side effects of Metformin?
What are the uses of Metformin?
- Metformin is used for controlling the blood sugar levels in people having type 2 diabetes.
- It is generally prescribed for children and adults above 10 years of age.
- It is commonly prescribed in obese or overweight people having type 2 diabetes as it does not cause any weight gain and may help with weight loss.
- Metformin can be used alone or in combination with other diabetic medications, like insulin.
( Know more about- What is Diabetes? What are the types of Diabetes? )
When should Metformin not be used?
Metformin should not be used in the following cases:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (a genetic disorder in which there is little or no production of insulin)
- Liver disease and kidney disease (severe)
- Heart failure
- Severe respiratory disease
- If you are an alcoholic
- If you are allergic to Metformin (Hypersensitivity)
- If you have a severe infection like lungs or kidney infection. Infection can increase the risk of lactic acidosis (lactic acid build up in the bloodstream leading to a medical emergency)
( Know more about- What is Acute Liver Failure? )
In cases of liver failure, a patient is advised to get a liver transplant. There are many hospitals and hepatobiliary surgeons in India where liver transplant surgery is done.
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What are the benefits of Metformin?
Metformin has the following benefits:
- Helps in reducing the complications caused due to diabetes
- Helps in weight loss and does not cause weight gain
- Reduces bad cholesterol
- Usually does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels)
( Know more about- What to eat to lower cholesterol? )
How does Metformin work?
Metformin helps in lowering the blood glucose levels in the following two ways:
- Reduction in the amount of glucose that is released from the liver, where it is stored
- Helping the cells of the body in absorbing more glucose from the bloodstream
( Know more about- What is Acute Kidney Failure? )
What are the different forms of Metformin available?
Metformin is a prescription drug that comes in two forms:
Oral tablet:
- This comes in two different types, namely immediate-release and extended-release.
- The immediate-release tablet is available in its generic form (a cost-effective medication that works in the same manner as its branded counterpart).
- The extended-release tablet is available in the generic form, as well as under the brand-name Fortamet and Glumetza.
- Metformin in its generic, immediate-release form is available at strengths of 500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg.
- Metformin in its generic, extended-release form is available at strengths of 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg.
- Fortamet is an extended-release tablet available at a strength of 1000 mg.
- Glumetza is an extended-release tablet available at a strength of 500 mg and 1000 mg.
- Oral solution
What is the recommended dosage of Metformin?
- The recommended metformin dosage depends on many factors like severity and type of the condition the patient has, the age of the patient, the form of metformin taken, and the presence of other medical conditions.
- The doctor will usually start with the lowest possible effective dosage, and adjust it overtime to reach the desired dosage level.
- The recommended dosage is as follows:
Adult dosage (18 to 79 years of age):
- Immediate-release tablets:
- Starting dosage: 500 mg twice a day, or 850 mg once a day with a meal
- Changes in dosage: Dosage may be increased by 500 mg a week, or 850 mg every two weeks, up to a total of 2,550 mg taken in one day in divided doses
- Maximum dosage: 2,550 mg per day
Extended-release tablets:
- Starting dosage: 500 mg once a day with evening meal (except for Fortamet). Recommended starting dosage for fortamet is 500 mg to 1000 mg once a day with an evening meal
- Changes in dosage: Dosage may be increased by 500 mg a week, or the daily dose may be divided to take it twice daily.
- Maximum dosage: 2,000 mg per day.
Child dosage (10 to 17 years of age):
- Immediate-release tablets:
- Starting dosage: 500 mg twice a day
- Changes in dosage: Dosage may be increased by 500 mg every week in divided doses
- Maximum dosage: 2,000 mg per day
Extended-release tablets:
- Not given in children younger than 18 years of age.
Child dosage (0 to 9 years of age):
- Not given in children less than 10 years of age.
Dosage for adults of 80 years or more:
- Not taken in case of impaired kidney function, as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
- If metformin is recommended, it should not be given at the maximum dosage.
( Know more about- What is Respiratory Failure? )
What are the precautions needed while taking Metformin?
- Metformin consumption is generally considered to be safe in pregnancy after a consultation with your doctor.
- Metformin is usually considered to be safe for breastfeeding mothers unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
- Metformin should be avoided in people having severe kidney and liver disorders.
- Do not use the medication if you are allergic to it.
- The medication should not be used in case of a recent heart attack or heart failure.
( Know more about- What is Heart Attack )
What are the various drug interactions of Metformin?
Metformin can interact with other drugs to cause adverse side effects or interference with the working of either of the drugs. The following drugs should be avoided while taking metformin:
- Insulin
- Glyburide
- Furosemide
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Cholesterol medications
- Acetazolamide
- Dorzolamide
- Brinzolamide
- Methazolamide
- Topiramate
- Phenytoin
- Cimetidine
- Chlorpromazine
- Prochlorperazine
- Fluphenazine
- Corticosteroids like fluticasone, budesonide, betamethasone, prednisone
- Estrogens like estradiol, birth control pills, conjugated estrogens
- Isoniazid
- Levothyroxine
- Liotrix
- Liothyronine
- Desiccated thyroid
( Know more about- What is Thyroid Disorders? )
How does Metformin interact with food and alcohol?
- Taking Metformin tablets with food does not cause any harm to your health.
- Alcohol decreases the effect of medicine, and metformin tablets, it shows several adverse effects. So, take it on the doctor’s advice.
What are the side effects of Metformin?
The side effects of metformin may include:
- Physical weakness (Asthenia)
- Gas (Abdominal bloating)
- Symptoms of weakness and muscle pain (Myalgia)
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Stomach ache (GI complaints), lactic acidosis (rare)
- Low vitamin B 12 levels in the blood
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Chest discomfort
- Feeling cold, dizziness
- Stomach upset
- Stomach cramps
- Constipation
- Heartburn
( Know more about- What is Diarrhea? )
We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding metformin through this article.
If you have any questions or problems related to metformin, you should contact a General Physician.
We only aim to provide you with information through this article. We do not recommend any medicine or treatment to anyone. Only a doctor can give you the best advice and correct treatment plan.
