RENFORMIN
Renformin is a hypoglycaemic drug useful in type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to continued dietary restraint. Its anorectic effect aids weight reduction, so it is a first choice drug for obese type 2 patients
Presentation
Blister pack of 10 x 10’s.
Description
Indications:
Type 2 diabetes when diet has failed and especially if the patient is overweight, renformin can be given alone as initial therapy, or can be administered in combination with a sulphonylurea, In type 1 diabetes, Renformin may be given as an adjuvant with insulin to patient whose symptoms are poorly controlled.
Pharmacological class
Antidiabetic
Pharmacological properties
Hypoglycemia
Mechanism of action
Its mechanism of action is thought to be multifactorial and includes delayed uptake of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract, increased peripheral utilisation of glucose mediated by increased insulin sensitivity and inhibition of increased hepatic and renal gluconegenesis.
Side-effects
Metformin causes nausea, a metallic taste, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhoea; lactic acidosis has been associated with Metformin.
Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to the drug, Diabetic coma and ketoacidosis, impairment of renal function, chronic liver disease, cardiac failure and recent myocardial infarction, History of, or state associated with lactic acidosis such as shock of pulmonary insufficiency, alcoholism (acute or chronic) and conditions associated with hypoxemia and Pregnancy
Drug Interactions:
Reduced renal clearance of Metformin has been reported during cimetidine therapy, so a dose reduction should be considered.
As with a number of drugs, an interaction between Metformin and anticoagulant is possible and dosage of the latter may need adjustment.
