How to Use the Drug Metformin

Metformin is used for the treatment of Type II diabetes. The drug, which comes in pill form, works to stabilize and control the body's blood sugar levels. While the medication may be prescribed in conjunction with insulin, it is not recommended for the treatment of Type I diabetes. Only a physician can determine which type of diabetes a patient suffers from and prescribe the proper medication.

Instructions

1

Make an appointment to obtain a complete physical. Tests to rule out the possibility of diabetes and other common conditions are usually a part of routine screenings. Should Type II diabetes be discovered, speak with your doctor to see if Metformin might be the right drug for you.

2

Make yourself aware of the drug's contraindications. Metformin is not recommend for those suffering from heart, kidney or liver disease. The medication can trigger a dangerous condition known as lactic acidosis. Left unchecked, it can result in severe damage to organs or death.
Metformin may not be prescribed for women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or who are breastfeeding. The drug is dangerous for children under the age of 10.
Anyone taking a test that involves dye injected into the veins should suspend Metformin's use for a few days before the test since the drug can interact with the dye, causing temporary medical issues.

3

Note the drug's interaction with other drugs. Metformin cannot be taken while drinking alcohol since it lowers blood sugar and could result in a risk of lactic acidosis.
Hyperglycemia may result in those taking Metformin along with birth control pills, diet pills, diuretics, phenothiazines, steroids, seizure and thyroid medications, and some drugs that are typically used to treat allergies and colds.
Low blood sugar may result in those taking Metformin with anti-inflammatory medications, beta blockers, MAO inhibitors, probenecids, salicylates and sulfa drugs.
Other medications, such as amiloride, cimetidine, digoxin, furosemide, morphine, nifedipine, ranitidine, procainamide, quinidine, triameterene, trimethoprim and vancomycin, may contraindicate the use of Metformin as well.

4

Contact your physician if you experience any of these side effects: chills, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, headache, muscle aches and pains, nausea, sudden weight gain or trouble breathing.

5

Report to an emergency room immediately if you experience any of these dangerous side effects: abdominal pain, black outs, chills or cold, dizziness, fever, obstructed or slow heart rhythm, sleepiness, sudden weakness, trouble breathing or vomiting. Also go to an ER if you develop allergic side effects like hives or swelling of the mouth or airways or symptoms of lactic acidosis.

6

Take the dosage amount prescribed for you. It may take your doctor some time to find the right dosage amount and timing for you. Once he has, however, take the drug exactly as instructed.
Metformin is usually taken with a meal since it can upset an empty stomach. The oral medication should not be chewed or crushed, nor should the tablet be broken into pieces since that could cause uneven and incorrect amounts of the drug to enter the body's system incorrectly.
Metformin dosage may change slightly when another illness or virus is also diagnosed. Contact your physician each time such conditions occur to ascertain if dosage amounts of the drug need to be temporarily changed.
If you miss a dose of Metformin, take it as quickly as possible and then skip the next dose.

7

Get regular blood and kidney tests, as outlined by your doctor, to make certain the drug is working effectively without doing any other damage to your health.

8

Avoid low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. Symptoms include black outs, coma, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, hunger, irregular heartbeat, irritability, seizure, sudden weakness, sweating or tremors.
Always keep sugar available in the event that hypoglycemia occurs. The best options include candy and orange juice.

9

Store the medication at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, light and moisture to preserve the drug's medicinal properties.