Metformin on Diabetes Medicines List

Metformin is a drug on diabetes medicine list that works by lowering blood glucose suppresses the production of glucose produced by the liver and reduce insulin resistance. Metformin can be used as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylurea. Combination with drugs insulin secretion, insulin-sensitizing or insulin will also be effective.

Metformin does not cause hypoglycemia or weight gain, so it is best used in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who suffer from obesity (in some studies of patients experienced weight loss).

Metformin is also beneficial in lipid and cholesterol levels and are protective for the heart. In a comparative study, metformin reduced the death rate to 85% compared to insulin (28%), sulfonylurea (16%), and thiazolidinedione (14%). The drug is also first choice for children and proven effective for women suffering from polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance.

Metformin on Diabetes Medicines List
Metformin on Diabetes Medicines List

Metformin is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency (eg serum creatinine levels of 1.5 mg / dL in men and 1.4 mg / dL in women, or there is an abnormal creatinine clearance) or acute or chronic metabolic acidosis. But be careful to use of metformin in severe hepatic impairment and hypoxemia (chronic obstructive pulmonary or heart failure kongenstif), and weight as well as being an alcoholic. In these patients, metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a condition that in 50 percent of patients can be fatal (1 episode per 100,000 patients per year).

Cimetidine (Tagamet) can reduce the renal clearance of metformin and metformin may increase the potential. Patients receiving anticoagulant drugs and metformin may require high doses of warfarin for antithrombotic effect. Hemogloblin index, hematocrit, red blood cells, and renal function should be monitored at least annually in patients receiving metformin.

Despite proven benefits, but can not be separated from metformin side effects. For example, metallic taste, gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea and Neusa. Metformin also reduces the absorption of vitamin B1 and folic acid, which is very important to prevent heart problems. There are reports the discovery of lactic acidosis, a condition that potentially death risk, especially in those with risk factors. But the overall analysis there was no mention of metformin greater risk than other drugs on type 2 diabetes medicines list.

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