Glucophage

metformin hydrochloride

Glucophage (Metformin) is used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. Metformin along with sulfonyl urea, an oral anti diabetic drug or along with insulin helps in lowering the blood sugar level when the blood sugar is very high thus helping to restore energy from the food that you eat.

Usually, diabetes type 2 can be easily controlled with the help of special diet and exercise along with the drug. The metformin dosage must match with the food type and the exercise. Sometimes, the drug stops working and the blood sugar might increase. At this stage you cannot increase the dosage amount by yourself, but you should contact the doctor for changing the dosage of the drug or changing the drug itself. In extreme cases, when nothing helps to lower the blood sugar level, then insulin injections are the best option.

Metformin also does not help to cure type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes.

Glucophage should not be administered,

• If you are allergic to one or more components of the drug.
• If you are pregnant, although it is found that the drug does not harm the fetus.
• If you are breast feeding, small traces of the drug are found in the breast milk although it does not harm the infant. However, it is wise to consult the doctor if you are breast feeding.
• Glucophage can be used in children above the age groups of 10 years as it does not produce any serious side effects in them.
• Glucophage must be used cautiously in adults, especially, if they are suffering from kidney problems, blood vessel disorders, or other health defects.
• The cannot be used if you are taking counter medications as drug interaction might occur and cease the drug efficiency.

Glucophage must be used exactly as directed by the physician. Glucophage should be taken for complete course even if your blood sugar level come backs to normal. Glucophage dose cannot be altered without consulting the doctor. You also might be required to take other anti diabetic drugs throughout your life. If the high blood sugar level is not treated, then it can lead to problems like heart failure, blood vessel disease, eye disease, kidney disease, etc.

The dosage amount of Glucophage depends upon the individual requirements. Your dosage amount should not be altered unless advised by the doctor.

• Adult Dosage: In case of adults, 500mg of the drug is taken twice daily once in the morning and once in the evening along with dinner. In some cases, some adults are advised to take 850mg of the drug once in the morning meal. Later the dosage amount is increased gradually every week. Later the 500 or 850mg of the drug should be taken thrice daily depending upon the body response.
• Children Dose: For children above 10 years of age the dosage amount is 500mg once in the morning and 500mg once in the evening. The dosage can then be increased upon the advice of the doctor every week.
• Missed Dose: In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.

Metformin is stored at temperatures between 20 to 25 degree Celsius. Storage temperature between 15 to 30 degree Celsius is also broadly accepted. The drug should be stored away from direct heat, sunlight and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

When you administer Glucophage, make frequent isits to the hospital to track your progress. Glucophage should not be consumed along with alcohol as alcohol decreases the blood sugar drastically. Hence, it is wise to consult the doctor regarding medication when you are drunk.

Metformin reacts with:

• Aspirin
• Medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.

Counseling in birth control and pregnancy is required especially people who suffer from diabetes type 2.

Some of the side effects of Glucophage include:

• Quick Lactic acidosis
• Diarrhea
• Quick shallow breaths
• Muscle aches
• Muscle cramps
• Sleepiness
• Tiredness or weakness
• Low, mild blood sugar
• Anxiety
• Feeling of being drunk
• Blurred vision
• Cold sweats
• Confusion
• Cool pale skin
• Trouble in concentrating
• Drowsy feeling
• Extreme hunger
• Increased heartbeat
• Headache
• Nausea
• Nervous feeling
• Nightmares
• Disturbed sleep
• Shaking hands and limbs
• Slurred speech.

All these side effects wane during the due course of the drug treatment. In case of persistent side effects, then contact the doctor for drug dose management.

Some of the other common side effects include:

• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Passing of gas
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting sensation
• Loss of weight

Glucophage is also used in patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome.