rmin hydrochloride) is an oral medication of the biguanide class
of drugs used for treatment of noninsulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus. It is thought to help the body use the insulin it
already produces. It also reduces glucose production in the
liver and does not cause hyperinsulinemia, or an overproduction
of insulin, which may be a risk factor for heart disease.
Glucophage may be prescribed as an adjunct to diet when diet and
exercise alone are inadequate to control a patient's glucose
level. Physicians may also use Glucophage in combination with a
sulfonylurea if monotherapy and diet do not adequately control
glucose levels. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea
and upset stomach) are the most common adverse reactions to
Glucophage and occurred about 30% more frequently than in
patients taking placebos in controlled clinical trials. Symptoms
are usually temporary and resolve after a few weeks. Patients
with impaired kidney and liver function, heavy drinkers or
patients with acute or chronic met