Metformin is a prescription medication that helps regulate the amount of sugar within a person's blood. This medication can be used alone or in conjunction with alternate medications to treat patients as indicated. Metformin is administered as an oral tablet that is taken two to three times daily as prescribed by a doctor.
Type 2 Diabetes
Metformin is indicated to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Use of this medication can help limit the amount of sugar, or glucose, the body absorbs from ingested food, PubMed Health reports. Treatment with Metformin also alters the amount of glucose a patient's liver produces, further helping decrease sugar levels in the body. Patients who use this medication should also maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to better manage blood glucose levels.
Contraindications
Certain patients should not use metformin. The efficacy and safety of this medication have not been evaluated clinically in pediatric patients and treatment of children should be avoided. Patients who have renal or kidney disease or dysfunction should not receive treatment with this medication, RxList warns. Additionally, a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis or other metabolic acidosis conditions precludes treatment with metformin. Patients who are allergic to metformin or any of its component should not take this medication due to an increased risk of developing a severe allergic reaction.
Side Effects
Treatment with metformin can cause side effects in certain patients. Mild side effects can include upset stomach, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, weakness, muscle aches or headaches, Drugs.com explains. Patients who experience severe side effects after taking metformin, such as rapid weight gain, fever or flu-like symptoms, and difficulty breathing, should seek medical care immediately. Using metformin can also increase a patient's risk of experiencing lactic acidosis, a severe side effect characterized by increased fatigue, lightheadedness, stomach pain, shortness of breath, fainting, decreased heart rate, weakness and feeling cold.
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