Metaglip: function, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses

What medicine is Metaglip?

Metaglip is an oral drug which is a combination of two drugs, namely glipizide and metformin. This drug is used for treatment in adult patients with type two diabetes. Patients with type one diabetes do not use Metaglip as treatment. The use of Metaglip in combination with a diet and exercise program can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar and prevent them from kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, amputations, and problems with sexual function. Proper blood sugar control can also help lower your risk of having a heart attack and stroke.

The glipizide content contained in Metaglip is included in the sulfonylurea class which works by stimulating the release of insulin produced by the body. Meanwhile, metformin is included in the biguanid class of drugs which work by reducing the amount of sugar absorbed by the intestine during the digestive process. Both of these drugs also work to lower blood sugar levels by reducing sugar production by the liver and restoring the body's response to insulin.

What are the rules for drinking Metaglip?

Metaglip is an oral medication that is usually taken once or twice a day with food or as recommended by your doctor. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids when taking Metaglip unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Your doctor may give you a low dose at the start of treatment and increase it gradually depending on your body's tolerance for Metaglip. Continue to take this drug even if you feel well and without complaints. Do not change your dose or stop taking this drug without discussing it with your doctor.

If you are currently taking other diabetes medications, such as chlorpropamide, follow your doctor's directions to stop the old medication and switch to Metaglip.

Colesevelam can decrease the absorption of glipizide contained in Metaglip by the body. It is recommended that you take Metaglip at least four hours before taking Colesevelam.

Take this medicine regularly for optimal results. To make it easier for you to remember, take this medication at the same time each day. Metaglip may take up to two weeks for maximum effects to be seen. If your condition does not improve or even gets worse, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will likely make adjustments to your dose.

How do I save Metaglip?

Store Metaglip at room temperature between 20-25 degrees Celsius. Storage at a temperature of 15-30 degrees Celsius is permitted for a short period of time. Keep this medication away from direct light and heat. Do not store this drug in areas with high humidity. Do not store this medication in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or other drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of this medication.

Drug Interactions

Certain drugs will cause interactions when used together. This causes one of the drugs to not work optimally or there is an increased risk of side effects. Even so, sometimes your doctor may prescribe the two drugs at the same time if needed by making a dose adjustment.

The following are some of the drugs that may interact with Metaglip:

• Beta-blockers, such as propranolol
• Anticoagulants (such as warfarin), antifungals (such as miconazole), chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, insulin, NSAID drugs (ibuprofen), phenylbutazone, quinolone (ciprofloxacin), salicylates (aspirin), sulfonamide (such as sulfamethoxazole)
• Nifedipine, corticosteroids such as prednisone, diazoxide, diuretics (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogens, contraceptive pills, rifampin, pseudoephedrine
• Gemfibrozil
• Amiloride, cimetidine, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, trimethoprim, or other drugs that have the potential to damage the kidneys, such as gentamicin
• Contrast fluid

The above list is not a complete list of drugs that interact with Metaglip. Keep a list of all drugs that you have or are currently taking, and inform your doctor, both prescription / non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal medicines before taking Metaglip.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

Immediately call for emergency medical assistance (119) or the nearest hospital emergency room for help if someone experiences symptoms of a serious overdose such as fainting and difficulty breathing. Metaglip overdose can cause lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia. Some of the other symptoms of an overdose can include rapid breathing, severe drowsiness, and an irregular heartbeat.

What if I forget my medication schedule?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the distance is too close to your next scheduled medication, ignore the missed dose. Continue the schedule for taking the medicine according to the predetermined time. Do not double your dose on a single medication schedule.