Metformin
Also known as: Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet
**Guidance for Pet Owners:** * **Investigational Use**: Understand that the use of metformin in cats is highly 'investigational' and off-label. Its effectiveness in veterinary medicine is still debated. * **Side Effects**: Watch closely for signs of stomach upset, including **vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or extreme lethargy**. * **Reporting**: Report any untoward effects or changes in your pet's behavior to your veterinarian immediately. * **Administration**: Do not crush or break extended-release tablets unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. Ensure fresh water is always available.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)
- Early NIDDM
- General Use Warning
- General
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Lactic acidosis (rare but severe)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to metformin
- Renal dysfunction
- Metabolic acidosis
- Concurrent use of parenteral iodinated contrast agents (temporary contraindication)
- **Important Precautions:** * **Renal Impairment**: Metformin is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys. Accumulation can lead to severe lactic acidosis in patients with renal dysfunction. * **Gastrointestinal Toxicity**: Has a narrow margin of safety regarding GI upset in small animals. * **Lactation**: Excreted in maternal milk in levels equivalent to plasma. Use with caution in lactating queens. * **Dosing Challenges**: Human dosage forms (e.g., 500 mg tablets) may be difficult to accurately dose in cats, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Drug interactions
- ACE Inhibitors: May increase risk for hypoglycemia
- Cimetidine: Can cause a 60% increase in peak metformin plasma levels and a 40% increase in AUC
- Corticosteroids: May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
- Diuretics, Thiazide: May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
- Furosemide: Can increase the AUC and plasma levels of metformin by 22%; metformin can decrease the peak plasma concentrations and AUC of furosemide
- Iodinated Contrast Agents (Parenteral): May cause acute renal failure and lactic acidosis if used within 48 hours of a metformin dose
- Isoniazid: May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
- Sympathomimetic Agents: May reduce hypoglycemic efficacy
Frequently asked questions
What is Metformin used for in pets?
**Guidance for Pet Owners:** * **Investigational Use**: Understand that the use of metformin in cats is highly 'investigational' and off-label. Its effectiveness in veterinary medicine is still debated. * **Side Effects**: Watch closely for signs of stomach upset, including **vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or extreme lethargy**. * **Reporting**: Report any untoward effects or changes in your pet's behavior to your veterinarian immediately. * **Administration**: Do not crush or break extended-release tablets unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. Ensure fresh water is always available.
Is Metformin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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