Action:
Metformin improves the cells response to insulin. It is thought to help regulate ovulation in women with PCOS.
Monitoring:
You may need periodic blood tests to assess liver and kidney function while taking metformin.
Availability:
500mg tablets, 750mg Sustained Release tablets, 850mg Sustained Release tablets
Dosing:
- 500mg, 1-4 times per day
- 750mg twice per day
- 850mg twice per day
Side Effects:
- headache
- dizziness
- agitation
- fatigue
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
Drug Interactions:
- captopril, furosemide, nifedipine may increase chance of low blood sugar
- fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole may severely lower blood sugar
- contrast dyes may increase chance for kidney failure
- acarbose may decrease metformin levels in the blood
- garlic and ginseng may increase chance of low blood sugar
Instructions:
Do not take this medication if you are fasting, or have not eaten/will not eat for longer then six hours.
