Metformin, Overview, Indications, Contraindications, Side effects, Warnings, High Risk Group

 Metformin, Overview, Indications, Contraindications, Side effects, Warnings, High Risk Group

Overview:

Metformin (HCI) is oral biguanide antidiabetic agent, introduced in 1950s. It reduces elevated blood glucose concentration in diabetic patients, but it does not increase insulin secretion. Metformin (HCI) is used alone or in combination with insulin or chlorpropamide. Most useful in overweight subjects, where it supresses appetite. May cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Indications:

Metformin (HCI) is primarily indicated in conditions like Diabetes mellitus, Hyperlipoproteinaemia, Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, Insulin resistance, Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, Obesity.

Contraindication:

Metformin (HCI) is contraindicated in conditions like Alcohol dependence, Anaemia, Myocardial infarction, Septicaemia, Infections, Respiratory disease, Ketosis, Cardiovascular disease, Diabetic coma, Trauma, Liver damage, Iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Renal impairment, Diabetic retinopathy.

Side Effects:

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Metformin (HCI), which give rise to further complications include Vasculitis, Pneumonitis, Malabsorption of vit B12, Malabsorpton of folic acid, Megaloblastic anemia, Hypoglycemia. Metformin (HCI) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Lactic Acidosis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Metformin (HCI) therapy. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Metformin (HCI) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Abdominal distension, Flatulence, Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Skin reactions, Weight LossX, Hypersensitivity, Metallic taste.

Warnings:

Metformin should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, heart trouble or if have any allergy, infections. Avoid excessive use of alcohol while taking this. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy and should be used only if clearly needed during lactation.

High Risk Groups:

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.