Slide 1
Metformin
Speaker Notes Metformin is a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing the amount of glucose (sugar) produced by the liver and improving your body’s response to insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from your blood into your cells.
Slide 2
Drug Pharmacology & Pharmacokinetics
- Belongs to the biguanide class of drugs
- Mechanism of action: Reduces hepatic glucose production, improves insulin sensitivity
- Absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Peak plasma concentrations: 1-2 hours
- Primarily eliminated unchanged by the kidneys
Speaker Notes Metformin works by lowering blood sugar levels in two main ways. First, it reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Second, it improves your body’s response to insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from your blood into your cells. Metformin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. It is primarily eliminated unchanged by the kidneys.
Slide 3
Brand & Generic Names, Dosing
- Brand Names: Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Riomet
- Generic Name: Metformin
- Dosing:
- Adults: Initial dose of 500mg twice daily or 850mg once daily, with meals; maximum dose 2550mg daily
- Children: Starting dose of 500mg once daily, titrated up to a maximum of 2000mg daily
Speaker Notes Metformin is available under several brand names, including Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, and Riomet. The generic name is metformin. The typical starting dose for adults is 500mg twice daily or 850mg once daily, taken with meals. The maximum dose is 2550mg daily. For children, the starting dose is 500mg once daily, titrated up to a maximum of 2000mg daily. The specific dose will be determined by your doctor based on your individual needs and response to treatment.
Slide 4
Indications for Use
Speaker Notes Metformin is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is typically used as first-line therapy, alone or in combination with other medications.
Slide 5
Side Effects
- Most common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, flatulence
- Lactic acidosis (a rare but serious complication)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term use)
Speaker Notes The most common side effects of metformin are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and flatulence. These side effects are usually mild and often improve with time. In rare cases, metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a serious complication characterized by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also occur with long-term use of metformin. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and to report them to your doctor if they become bothersome.
Slide 6
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to metformin
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe kidney disease
- Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis
- Liver disease
Speaker Notes Metformin is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to metformin, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe kidney disease, acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, or liver disease. It is important to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions before taking metformin.
Slide 7
Pregnancy Class
- Pregnancy Category B: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. However, animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus.
Speaker Notes Metformin is classified as pregnancy category B by the FDA. This means that animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Metformin should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Slide 8
Cost Analysis
- Metformin is a generic medication, and the cost can vary depending on the pharmacy and dosage.
- The average price for a 30-day supply of 500mg tablets is around $10-$20.
Speaker Notes Metformin is a generic medication, and the cost can vary depending on the pharmacy and dosage. The average price for a 30-day supply of 500mg tablets is around $10-$2
