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Do any medicines interact with Glucophage?

Glucophage (generic name metformin) is a medicine used with diet and exercise to help reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. It may also be used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal condition in women.

Glucophage may interact with several other medicines. Medicines that boost Glucophage levels can increase your risk of lactic acidosis and other side effects. Cimetidine (brand name Tagamet), furosemide (Lasix), nifedipine (Procardia), and alcohol can increase the concentration of Glucophage in the body, increasing the chance of side effects. Other drugs that can raise levels of Glucophage in the body include digoxin (Lanoxin), amiloride (Midamor), morphine, procainamide (Procanbid), quinidine (Quiniglute), quinine, ranitidine (Zantac), triamterene (Dyrenium), trimethoprim (Trimpex), and vancomycin (Vancocin). Use these medicines in combination with Glucophage only if you’re being monitored by a doctor.

Glucophage can also interact with iodine-based contrast dyes that are injected into veins for X-ray procedures. These contrast dyes can cause temporary kidney failure, reducing the body’s ability to get rid of Glucophage and increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. The manufacturer recommends that people stop taking Glucophage before receiving an injection of dye, then wait at least 48 hours before resuming it. Ask your doctor for specific instructions well before receiving dye injections.

Sources:
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex, Inc., 2000.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons, 2000.
Glucophage Product Information, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, June 2000.

This answer prepared 8/27/00.