Metformin and Alcohol Interaction
Metformin and Alcohol
Metformin is the generic name for this drug which is sold under brand names Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza and Riomet and belongs to a family of oral medications that help to control blood sugar levels.
It is used to treat type 2 diabetes which is defined as non-insulin dependent diabetes but on occasion it may be used with insulin to help control type 1 diabetes.
It is suggested only moderate drinking as the effectiveness of the drug will be lessened.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
Before using Metformin advise your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or substance, if you are using dietary or herbal supplements, are pregnant, plan to be or are breastfeeding, have liver disease or a history of heart disease.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are headache, muscle pain, weakness, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas or stomach pain. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are severe allergic reaction such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, muscle pain or weakness, num or cold arms and legs, troublr breathing, dizzy, lightheaded, tired, weak, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, short of breath with mild exertion, swelling, rapid weight gain, fever, chills, body aches or flu symptoms. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
Metformin and Alcohol
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