Metformin
Brand: Glucophage / Glycomet (IN) / Diabetmin (BD)
Antidiabetic
Biguanide
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 6 hours |
| Clearance Route | renal |
| Active Metabolites | uncertain |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Moderate
Adverse Effects:
Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, metallic taste), B12 deficiency with long-term use,
RARE: lactic acidosis (risk in renal/hepatic/cardiac failure)
Contraindications:
Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30), acute/chronic metabolic acidosis,
hemodynamic instability, lactate metabolism disorders
Precautions:
Caution in elderly, dehydration, hypoxic states (e.g. CHF), hepatic disease,
withhold before iodinated contrast imaging