Metformin Flashcards
1
Q
What is it indicated for?
A
Type 2 diabetes as first line for control of blood glucose
2
Q
How does it work?
A
It lowers glucose by reducing hepatic glucose output (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis)
3
Q
Can metformin cause hypoglycaemia?
A
It does not stimulate insulin secretion so cannot cause it
4
Q
What are the side effects of metformin?
A
GI upset
Nausea
Vomiting
Taste disturbance
Anorexia
Diarrhoea
Lactic acidosis- rare
vitamin B12 deficiency
5
Q
What are the warnings for metformin?
A
Use in caution in renal impairment as it is excreted unchanged by the kidney
It should be withheld in AKI or severe tissue hypoxia
Caution in hepatic impairment as clearance of excess lactate may be impaired
Withheld in acute alcohol intoxication and used in caution in chronic alcohol abuse
