For decades, metformin has been the most widely used drug to treat type 2 diabetes.
Metformin is a medicine to treat type 2 diabetes . It represents one of the best known drugs for this purpose, and has been used by many people since it was first developed in the early 20th century.
Below you can find all the most important information regarding this medicine: what is metformin and what is it for, and its recommended doses, side effects and contraindications.
- It might interest you: ” Clotrimazole: what it is, what it is for, dosage and side effects “
What is metformin?
Metformin is an antidiabetic drug that is taken orally . It is a medicine whose active ingredient comes from Galega officinalis , a plant that was already used in medieval times to combat some symptoms of diabetics.
But it was not from 1918 that more properties of this plant began to be discovered, and metformin was isolated as a substance for the first time in 1922. Since then, research has prospered, causing metformin to become the drug over the years. reference to treat the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Today it can be found on the market under different trade names. Whoever goes to the pharmacy can buy Dianben, Competact, Icandra, Metformin Kern Pharma, Metformin Pensa, Velmetia or Vokanamet among others.
- We recommend: ” Voltaren (diclofenac): what it is, what it is for and side effects “
What is it for?
Metformin is a drug used to control glucose levels in the body . It is, therefore, a drug used by diabetics to regulate blood glucose or the concentration of “sugar” circulating in their blood.
In any case, it is important to point out that metformin acts by modulating the metabolism of sugars but without doing so on pancreatic beta cells. These are responsible for the secretion of insulin, which guarantees the control of blood glucose naturally. This minimizes the risk of hypoglycemic episodes.
What is your mecanism of action?
This drug manages to control blood glucose thanks to the fact that it acts in three places in the body . It keeps blood glucose from rising basically because it can act on the liver, muscle, and intestine.
In the liver, what it does is prevent glucose from being manufactured by inhibiting a process called gluconeogenesis, preventing it from reaching the body in large quantities. Undoubtedly a very important step for diabetics.
On the other hand, metformin has the ability to make the muscle more sensitive to insulin. This makes it easier for glucose to enter the muscle. Finally, metformin also prevents the intestine from absorbing glucose as quickly.
- Featured Article: ” Top 50 Branches of Medicine (and Their Fields of Study) “
Presentations and price
All presentations of metformin are for oral intake . This makes tablets and granules the preferred format, and you can find this drug under many brand names.
The truth is that there are many generic drugs, and this makes the price very affordable, since it is approximately 1.90 euros. Dianben is the most recognized brand name, but there are many other metformin medications.
Recommended dose
The recommended dose of metformin is very well stipulated . It is generally recommended to take two 850mg tablets every twelve hours or three tablets every eight hours.
This medication obviously needs to be taken as directed by a doctor. In any case, it is good to know that you should not take more than 3 grams of metformin per day, as it could be dangerous.
- Other users have read: “ The 15 medicinal plants with the most properties and benefits ”
Side effects
Like any medication, metformin can cause some side effects , although the truth is that it is a safe and well-tolerated medication. Of course, it should always be taken according to the recommended doses.
The main side effects associated with this drug are those related to the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite are the most likely side effects of all.
Other types of side effects are much rarer. Among these cases are the alteration of the sense of taste, certain skin reactions and difficulty in the absorption of vitamin B12 or cobalamin.
Contraindications
Metformin is not exempt from contraindications that must be known before taking it . First of all, this medication should not be taken if there is an allergy or hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients, be it the active ingredient itself or any of the excipients.
On the other hand, there are different conditions in which this drug should not be administered, such as in those patients with renal, hepatic, cardiac or respiratory insufficiency or dysfunction.
People with diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic precoma should also be prevented from taking this medication, and people who are severely dehydrated should also be prevented from taking it.
Finally, it is necessary to mention pregnancy and lactation. Metformin can be used during pregnancy, as studies show that the drug is safe. However, during lactation it is no longer possible.
The fetus is safe if the mother takes metformin, since the placental barrier prevents its entry. In contrast, during lactation this substance becomes present in breast milk and can have side effects on the baby’s health.
- It might interest you: ” 16 rules for safe medication (and not putting your health at risk) “
Bibliographic references
- Gong, L. et al. (2012). [Metformin pathways: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics» Metformin pathways: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Pharmacogenet Genomics, 22(11), 820-827 .
- Rena, G., Hardie, D.G., & Pearson, E.R. (2017). The mechanisms of action of metformin, 60(9), 1577-1585 .
- Simoa, R. (2002). Treatment of diabetes mellitus: general objectives and management in clinical practice. Rev Esp Cardiol., 55, 845-60
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.