Metformin and kidneys

Czech version

Authors: A. Šmahelová
Authors‘ workplace: Diabetologické centrum Kliniky gerontologické a metabolické Lékařské fakulty UK a FN Hradec Králové, přednosta prof. MUDr. Luboš Sobotka, CSc.
Published in: Vnitř Lék 2008; 54(5): 535-540
Category:

Overview

Metformin is currently recommended as the first-line drug for type 2 diabetic patients once the disease has been diagnosed. In addition to antihyperglycaemic effect, it has other effects which have a positive effect on cardiovascular risk. The greatest risk of metformin treatment is lactate acidosis, but its incidence is very low if the contraindications are observed. In spite of the fact that not all contraindications are observed in practice, the incidence of lactate acidosis demonstrably provoked by metformin does not grow. In spite of ongoing discussion on the subject, contraindications still include all states involving the risk of lactacidosis including renal insufficiency.

Key words:
metformin – renal function – lactate acidosis – metformin contraindications

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