Why it's used
Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet is used to reduce the high blood sugar level due to improper production or use of insulin in the body (also called, type 2 diabetes mellitus). It is a prescription medicine. It works by lowering the amount of glucose in the body. It also increases the response of the body to insulin.
Metformin Hydrochloride Tabletmay also be taken in combination with other medicines to treat certain conditions as recommended by the doctor.Metformin Hydrochloride Tabletis used together with sulphonylureas to lower the total cholesterol levels in the blood and may increase the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).
When not to use
Metformin Hydrochloride Tabletcannot be used to treat high blood sugar level due to the absence of insulin production (type 1 diabetes mellitus).
Anti-Diabetic
Metformin Hydrochloride belongs to a class of medicines called Anti-Diabetic. Anti-diabetic drugs are a class of medicines used to treat diabetes mellitus. It control diabetes by lowering the sugar level in the blood. Antidiabetic drugs include insulin and the oral hypoglycemic agents.
Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Metformin Hydrochloride by Severity and Frequency
Common Side-effects
Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:
- diarrhea
- flatulence
- headache
- indigestion
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- stomach discomfort
- stomach pain
- taste disturbance
- vomiting
- weakness
Infrequent and Rare Side-effects
Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:
Severe Side-effects
Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:
- erythema multiforme
- hepatitis
- hypoglycemia
- lactic acidosis
- upper respiratory infection
- vitamin B12 deficiency
Side-effects in Older Adults
Following are the side-effects of this medicine in elderly patients:
Mild Allergic Reactions
Following are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions to this medicine:
- hives
- itching
- rash
- severe itching of the skin
If any of these symptoms occur, do not take this medicine.
Serious Allergic Reactions
Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
- redness of the skin
- shortness of breath
If you have any symptoms of serious side-effects, avoid the use of this medicine.
Precautions while using Metformin Hydrochloride
Before you use Metformin Hydrochloride, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
- abnormal functioning of the kidney
- abnormal functioning of the liver
- alcoholism
- dehydration
- heart failure
- high acid level in the body (long-term metabolic acidosis)
- high ketone acids in the blood (diabetic ketoacidosis)
- patients taking iodinated contrast agents through arteries
- prior exposure to surgery
- severe infection heart attack
- stroke
Taking Metformin Hydrochloride in patients with alcoholism, abnormal functioning of kidney and liver may lead to the buildup of lactate in the body. Also, the use of Metformin Hydrochloride before or at the time of surgery may increase the risk for fluid loss, low blood pressure, and abnormal functioning of the kidney.
Before you use Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information.
Before having any surgery when using Metformin Hydrochloride, tell your doctor and dentist about all the medicinal products you use including prescription and non-prescription medicines, and any herbal supplements.
The use of this medicine may change hematologic parameters (hemoglobin/hematocrit and red blood cell). Patients using this medicine may experience red blood cell deficiency
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