Contraindications of glucophage
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Contraindications of Glucophage (Metformin)
Renal Impairment and Metformin Use
One of the primary contraindications for the use of Glucophage (metformin) is renal impairment. Metformin is contraindicated in patients with renal failure or significant renal dysfunction due to the increased risk of lactic acidosis, a serious metabolic complication . The UK NICE guidelines recommend that metformin dosage should be reviewed when the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls to 45 mL/min/1.73 m² and should be discontinued when eGFR is below 30 mL/min/1.73 m² . Additionally, during periods of acute illness, such as gastrointestinal disorders or infections, metformin should be temporarily stopped to prevent potential deterioration of renal function .
Acute or Chronic Metabolic Acidosis
Metformin is also contraindicated in patients with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. This is due to the risk of exacerbating the acidosis, which can be life-threatening .
Severe Gastrointestinal Conditions
Patients with severe gastrointestinal conditions should avoid metformin. In clinical trials, gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions (ADRs) such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were reported, which can be particularly problematic in patients with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal issues .
Hypersensitivity to Metformin
Another contraindication is hypersensitivity to metformin or any of its components. Patients with a known allergy to metformin should not use Glucophage to avoid allergic reactions, which can range from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis .
Hepatic Impairment
Although not explicitly mentioned in the provided abstracts, hepatic impairment is generally considered a contraindication for metformin use due to the liver's role in lactate clearance, which is crucial in preventing lactic acidosis.
Conclusion
In summary, the primary contraindications for Glucophage (metformin) include renal impairment, acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, severe gastrointestinal conditions, hypersensitivity to metformin, and hepatic impairment. These contraindications are critical to consider to prevent serious adverse effects such as lactic acidosis and to ensure patient safety.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic