Biguanides

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Biguanides 


(only Metformin available)
  • reduce glucose absorption from GIT
  • reduce gluconeogenesis in liver
  • reduce aerobic and increase anaerobic glycolysis
  • increase glucose entry into tissue (via a non-insulin responsive mechanism)
  • No wt. gain or hypoglycaemia  

Side-effects

  • GIT disturbance
    • anorexia
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • diarrhoea
    • abdo pain
    • metallic taste
    • decreased B12 absorption
  • provoke lactic acidosis
    • do not give in renal impairment
    • (esp. if alcoholic, dehydrated, or pregnant or co-morbid mitochondrial myopathy, heart failure or renal impairment)
  • Short-acting so may wake-up hyperglycaemic
 

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