Metformin (Glucophage) Nursing Considerations

Okay, let’s talk about Metformin also known as Glucophage. This is an oral medication, as you can see here. So remember when we were talking about the therapeutic class of a drug, that’s how the drug works in the while the pharmacologic class is the chemical effect of the drug. So the therapeutic class of Metformin is an antidiabetic and the pharmacologic class is a bide. So Metformin works by decreasing glucose production in the liver. It decreases absorption in of glucose and it increases cellular insulin sensitivity. So we use Metformin for the management of type two diabetes melitis and also for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome or P C O S. So some of the side effects that we see with met Forin include things like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, in, in rare cases, lactic acidosis. 

So let’s take a look at a few nursing considerations for Metformin monitor, for signs of keto acidosis, and also lactic acidosis. The patient that Metformin may create a metallic taste in the mouth discontinue immediately. If the patient becomes ATIC do not use the patients who have renal dysfunction or metabolic acidosis, and be sure to teach the patient that Metformin does not, or their diabetes. And that’s something I see a lot guys, Metformin does have a black box warning with that development of lactic acidosis, which has led to death. So it’s important to recognize early symptoms of this, which can include malaise, muscle pain, respiratory depression, and elevated lactate levels. That’s it for Metformin or Glucophage now go out and be your best self today. And as always happy nursing.