Metformin Drug Interactions
Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug used by countless people to help combat their type two diabetes. Metformin, unfortunately, has many medications that it can interact with and cause serious problems for patients.
Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia
Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic that is also known as Gatiflo, Tequin and Zymar. If these antibiotics are used in combination with Metformin it may alter the effectiveness of the Metformin.
Both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia have been reported when these medications have been taken with Metformin. In some cases death occurred due to the interactions. Patients who have reduced renal function are extremely prone to these kinds of drug interactions and should monitor their glucose levels frequently.
Lactic Acidosis and Contrast Material
Diatrizoate and Iodamide are both intravascular iodinated contrast material. They are used to help identify obstructions and masses inside the body. When such medications are used with Metformin they can cause lactic acidosis.
Lactic acidosis is when the natural lactic acid of the body builds up causing rapid breathing, irregular heart rhythm, nausea and changes in mental status. The use of these medications and Metformin can also lead to renal complications that can cause permanent damage.
Lantus and Metformin
Lantus is a long acting form of insulin that can be used for type one or type two diabetes. If Lantus is used in combination with Metformin it can increase the hypoglycemic effects of insulin. In some cases this is used to the benefit of the patient, but patients who are not part of a case study should monitor their blood sugar regularly.
Patients who have decreased kidney function or are advanced in age should be exceedingly careful about using Lantus and Metformin together. If patients begin to feel dizzy, drowsy, nauseous, hungry, weak or develop a headache or tremors they should contact their doctor immediately.
Dose Alterations in Lasix and Metformin
Lasix (Furosemide) is a diuretic commonly used to treat hypertension and edema. When Lasix and Metformin are used in combination it can result in an increase in the longevity of Metformin in the blood stream. This means that a single dose of Metformin will last longer in the blood stream than if it were not taken with Lasix. It also causes the Lasix to dilute in the blood stream and become less effective. Patients should be aware of the ramifications and have their physicians monitor their blood work to ensure their medications are working properly and they are getting the correct dose.
Hormones and Decreased Efficiency
Synthroid is a common medication used to balance the hormones in the thyroid to treat hypothyroidism. In some cases when Metformin and Synthroid were taken in combination it lowered the efficiency of the Metformin. Synthroid may interfere with blood glucose control and should be monitored regularly. Similar results were shown in estrogens, progesteins , human growth hormones, and phenothiazines.
Metformin is a very effective anti-diabetic drug that offers help to many people. Metformin drug interactions can be dangerous but they can also be handled with proper knowledge.
