Metformin Interactions

Metformin interacts with several other types of drugs:
  • Cimetidine, furosemide, nifedipine, amiloride, digoxin, procainamide, quinidine, ranitidine, triamterene, or trimethoprim taken concurrently with metformin may increase the blood concentration of metformin.

  • Alcohol and iodinated contrast material may increase the risk for some of the serious side effects of metformin.

  • Metformin may decrease the amount of glyburide or furosemide in the body.

  • The effectiveness of metformin may be reduced by oral contraceptives, cortisonelike drugs, thiazide diuretics, estrogens, isoniazid, phenothiazines, phenytoin, and thyroid hormones.

  • The actions of metformin may be increased by clofibrate, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, probenecid, propranolol, rifabutin, rifampin, salicylates, and sulfonamides.
BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially those listed above.

In our final section, you will learn about some general concerns for taking metformin.

For more information about diabetes, try the following links:
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