Metformin

What is Metformin?

Metformin is a first-line diabetes medicine that lowers blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports weight-neutral management. It is also used off-label for PCOS and metabolic health.

How it works

It decreases liver glucose production, increases insulin sensitivity in muscle, and slows intestinal glucose absorption. These effects improve fasting and after-meal glucose without causing weight gain or low blood sugar on its own.

Common uses

• Type 2 diabetes management
• PCOS-related insulin resistance
• Metabolic syndrome or prediabetes in select patients

Monitoring & Safety

• Labs: Track hba1c every 3 months and spot-check glucose at home. Monitor kidney labs creatinine and egfr yearly or before contrast imaging.
• Common effects include mild stomach upset or loose stools; these usually ease with food or gradual dose increases.

Dosing (简要)

• Often started at 500 mg with the evening meal; increase every 1-2 weeks as tolerated.
• Extended-release tablets can reduce stomach upset and are taken with food.
• Dose adjustments or holds may be needed before surgery or contrast scans if kidney function is reduced.

Drug interactions

• Alcohol excess raises the rare risk of lactic acidosis.
• Iodinated contrast can stress the kidneys; your clinician may pause metformin temporarily.
• Some HIV or seizure medicines can affect kidney function and warrant closer monitoring.

Patient tips

• Take with food to minimize nausea or diarrhea.
• If diarrhea persists after dose changes, ask about switching to extended-release.
• Keep an updated list of your medicines and share before scans or surgeries.

When to contact your doctor

• Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or rapid breathing that could signal lactic acidosis.
• New muscle cramping, swelling, or sudden drop in urine output.
• Persistent diarrhea or weight loss you cannot explain.

Medical Disclaimer: 本内容仅供教育用途，不能替代专业医疗建议。