Metformin Flashcards
Question
Answer
Q1: What is metformin primarily used for in adults?
Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Q2: Is metformin licensed for treating polycystic ovary syndrome in adults?
A2: No, it’s not licensed for this indication.
Q3: Can metformin be used in children aged 8-9 years for type 2 diabetes?
A3: Yes, it may be used, but it’s not licensed for this age group.
Is metformin safe for use during pregnancy?
YES it can be used during pregnancy and the periconception period if clinically indicated.
B12 levels in metformin-treated patients?
A5: Monitor vitamin B12 levels in patients at risk and treat deficiency as per guidelines.
Q6: What are the contraindications for metformin use?
- Acute metabolic acidosis,
- lactic acidosis
- Diabetic ketoacidosis.
Q7: What cautions should be taken when using metformin?
- cautious in chronic stable heart failure,
- with drugs impairing renal function,
- during dehydration,
- in conditions causing tissue hypoxia.
Q8: When should metformin be avoided in adults with renal impairment?
(eGFR) is less than
30 mL
Q9: Can metformin be used during breastfeeding in women with pre-existing diabetes?
Yes, it may be used during breastfeeding.
Q10: What dose adjustment should be considered for metformin in children with moderate renal impairment?
A10: Consider dose reduction.
Q11: How often should renal function be monitored in patients taking metformin?
- Before treatment
- annually, or
- More frequent in Pt with renal impairment
- or deteriation
Q12: What’s the maximum daily dose for metformin immediate-release medicines in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus?
2000 mg
Q13: What advice should patients and their carers receive regarding the risk of lactic acidosis?
A13: They should be informed of the risk and told to seek immediate medical attention if specific symptoms occur.
Q14: What is the primary drug action of metformin hydrochloride?
- Metformin decreases gluconeogenesis
- and increases peripheral utilization of glucose,
- it’s effective only in the presence of endogenous insulin
- and some functioning pancreatic islet cells.
Q15: What are some common side effects associated with metformin use?
- abdominal pain,
- decreased appetite,
- N&V&D gastrointestinal disorders,
- altered taste,
- vitamin B12 deficiency,
Q16: What are some rare or very rare side effects associated with metformin use?
- hepatitis and lactic acidosis
- (which requires discontinuation of the medication).
- skin reactions can occur rarely.
Q17: How are gastrointestinal side effects of metformin typically experienced during treatment?
- during treatment initiation and usually resolve spontaneously.
- Slowly increasing the dose may improve tolerability.
Q18: When should patients and their carers seek immediate medical attention regarding metformin use?
seek immediate medical attention if
experience symptoms such as
- dyspnea,
- muscle cramps,
- abdominal pain,
- hypothermia, or asthenia,
as these could be signs of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious side effect.
