Indications

Type 2 DM.

Contraindication

Patient w/ acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis w/ or w/o coma; undergoing surgery. Intravascular admin of iodinated contrast agents. Renal impairment (CrCl <60 mL/min).

Special Precautions

Patient w/ CHF requiring drug therapy, cardiac or resp failure, recent MI, shock. Patient exposed to stress-related states (e.g. fever, trauma, infection, surgery). Hepatic impairment. Elderly. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor renal function regularly. Haematologic parameters (e.g. Hb, hematocrit, erythrocyte indices) should be evaluated prior to initiation of therapy and at least annually during treatment.

Side Effects

Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, taste disturbance, hepatitis. Rarely, decreased vit B12 absorption, erythema, pruritus and urticaria.

Drug Interactions

Additive effect w/ sulfonylureas. Thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, OC, sympathomimetics, niacin, Ca channel blockers and isoniazid may exacerbate loss of glycaemic control. ACE inhibitors may reduce fasting blood glucose concentrations. May increase serum level w/ cimetidine.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage

As directed by the physician