Are you taking Metformin? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Metformin with certain foods, herbs, or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.
Grapefruit and Metformin: Is It Safe?. Healthline.
Go to source).
Fiber rich foods: Avoid eating fiber rich foods as it binds with Metformin and lower its concentration. Limit fiber intake up to 30 grams per day as large amount of fiber intake may decrease Metformin levels.
Glucomannan: Glucomannan when taken along with Metformin can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Guar gum: Guar gum may decrease the effectiveness of Metformin.
Herbs: Avoid using ginseng, psyllium (high in fiber content) along with Metformin, as it may result in increased risk of hypoglycemia. Use of licorice with antidiabetic drugs may decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
Fenugreek: Avoid intake of fenugreek along with antidiabetic agents, as it may result in increased risk of hypoglycemia(2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Metformin: micromedex drug information
Go to source).
References
1. Grapefruit and Metformin: Is It Safe?
https://www.healthline.com/health/grapefruit-and-metformin#other-things-to-avoid
2. Metformin: Micromedex Drug Information.
https://www.micromedexsolutions.com/micromedex2/librarian/PFDefaultActionId/evidencexpert.DoIntegratedSearch?navitem=topHome&isToolPage=true#
3. Metformin and alcohol/food interactions.
https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/metformin.html
4. Metformin: MedlinePlus Drug Information
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696005.html
Metformin Interactions with Food and Herbs
Grape fruit juice: Grape fruit juice enhances the accumulation of Metformin in the liver. Drinking grapefruit juice while taking Metformin may lead to increased risk of lactic acidosis(1✔ ✔Trusted SourceGrapefruit and Metformin: Is It Safe?. Healthline.
Go to source).
Fiber rich foods: Avoid eating fiber rich foods as it binds with Metformin and lower its concentration. Limit fiber intake up to 30 grams per day as large amount of fiber intake may decrease Metformin levels.
Glucomannan: Glucomannan when taken along with Metformin can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Guar gum: Guar gum may decrease the effectiveness of Metformin.
Herbs: Avoid using ginseng, psyllium (high in fiber content) along with Metformin, as it may result in increased risk of hypoglycemia. Use of licorice with antidiabetic drugs may decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
Fenugreek: Avoid intake of fenugreek along with antidiabetic agents, as it may result in increased risk of hypoglycemia(2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Metformin: micromedex drug information
Go to source).
Metformin Interactions with Alcohol
- Avoid alcohol intake with Metformin, as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
- Alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
- Consult your physician immediately, if you develop any symptoms of lactic acidosis such as fatigue, drowsiness, weakness, muscle pain, abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, chills (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
Metformin and alcohol/food interactions.
Go to source).
When and How to Take Metformin
- Metformin is available in the form of a tablet, a liquid, an extended-release tablet to be taken orally.
- It is usually taken twice or thrice a day with meals. Liquid form is usually taken with meals once or twice a day.
- The extended-release tablet should be taken once a day with meals usually in the evening.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablets of metformin.
- Follow the instructions as directed.
- Do not exceed or miss the dose(4✔ ✔Trusted Source
Metformin: MedlinePlus Drug Information
Go to source).
References
1. Grapefruit and Metformin: Is It Safe?
https://www.healthline.com/health/grapefruit-and-metformin#other-things-to-avoid
2. Metformin: Micromedex Drug Information.
https://www.micromedexsolutions.com/micromedex2/librarian/PFDefaultActionId/evidencexpert.DoIntegratedSearch?navitem=topHome&isToolPage=true#
3. Metformin and alcohol/food interactions.
https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/metformin.html
4. Metformin: MedlinePlus Drug Information
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696005.html
