Common use
Glucophage is an oral diabetes medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. Its active substance is Metformin, which belongs to the biguanide class of substances. It reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood, suppressing the metabolism of glucose in the liver, reducing the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract, and enhancing its utilization in tissues. Glucophage stabilizes or reduces body weight. The therapeutic effect is not observed in the absence of insulin in the blood. It does not cause hypoglycemic reactions. It improves fibrinolytic properties of blood. It is used to treat diabetes mellitus (type 2) in adults, especially in cases followed by obesity, and also in patients for whom treatment with sulfonylurea was ineffective.
Dosage and direction
Do not take this medication if it was not prescribed to you, and do not exceed the recommended dose. Take it with a meal if your doctor did not recommend you to take it differently. Glucophage is administered for taking twice daily by 500 mg or 850 mg once daily to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Based on the glucose levels in the blood, the dose of Glucophage can be increased to the maximum daily dose of 2550 mg given in three divided doses.
Precautions
This medication is able to cause a life-threatening condition in some people, characterized by weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heartbeat, cold feeling, muscle pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed, and fainting. It is called lactic acidosis. If you experience such symptoms, get immediate medical attention. Also, be attentive to symptoms of low blood sugar, which include hunger, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, headache, weakness, fast heartbeat, tremors, sweating, seizures, and have a source of sugar at hand always. Avoid drinking alcohol.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, hyperglycemic coma, ketoacidosis, kidney failure, liver disease, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, dehydration, infectious diseases, extensive surgery and trauma, alcoholism, reduced-calorie diet (less than 1000 kcal/day), lactic acidosis (including a history), pregnancy, breastfeeding. The drug is not prescribed to take 2 days before surgery, radioisotope and X-ray examinations, CAT scanning (CT). Glucophage is contraindicated in patients over 60 years old or doing hard physical work (risk of lactic acidosis increases).
Side effects
The following side effects are most common and rather severe to stop taking the medication: swelling or rapid weight gain, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. In case of lactic acidosis, get emergency medical help: weakness, increasing drowsiness, slow heartbeat, cold feeling, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, muscle pain, lightheadedness, and fainting. Allergic reactions are also possible: hives, swelling, rash.
Drug interaction
Cimetidine (Tagamet) increases blood levels of Glucophage, affecting its metabolism. Glucophage is not compatible with alcohol. Concomitant administration with indirect anticoagulants and Cimetidine should be done with caution. Glucophage enhances the metabolism of Furosemide. Derivatives of sulfonylurea, insulin, acarbose, inhibitors of MAO, oxytetracycline, cyclophosphamide, and salicylates increase the effects of Glucophage. A decrease in the hypoglycemic effect of Glucophage is caused by co-administration with thyroid medicines, birth control pills, and other hormones, Epinephrine, Glucagon, thiazide diuretics, nicotinic acid derivatives.
Missed dose
If you forgot to take your dose on time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take it if it is too late or if your next dose is due shortly. Do not take double doses of this medication or extra doses of it. Take your usual dose the next day at the same regular time.
Overdose
Symptoms of Glucophage overdose are those of low blood sugar: hunger, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, headache, weakness, tremors, sweating, a fast heartbeat, and seizures. If you experience any of them or any unusual symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store it in a bathroom and places accessible to children.
Disclaimer
We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim the reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.