Abstract

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF METFORMIN

Udaya Kabadi MD*†, Sonal Banzal MD† and Subodh Banzal MD†

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Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders in the world. It causes hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or insulin resistance. Metformin is a derivative of biguanide; it lowers the blood glucose levels by inhibiting hepatic glucose production via multiple pathways including glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis by enhancing insulin sensitivity. The frequent side effects of metformin pertain to the gastrointestinal tract. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea with flatulence and bloating as well as abdominal discomfort, cramps or pain. Occasionally, patients complain of heartburn, headache, agitation, chills, dizziness, loss of appetite, asthenia, myalgia, upper respiratory tract infection and an altered or metallic taste. The most serious, potentially life-threatening side effect of metformin reported in the literature is lactic acidosis. Metformin use with improved glycemic control is well established to retard the onset of both micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes as well as mortality. Moreover, metformin is very cost effective and safe. Therefore, metformin is used as an initial drug worldwide in the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Metformin, Side effects, Complications, Efficacy, Safety.