[Metformin poisoning--clinical features, diagnostics and treatment--case presentations]

Przegl Lek. 2013;70(8):661-5.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Metformin has been used for many years as oral anti-hyperglycaemic agent in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus either in Poland or in the world. Metformin is the most commonly prescribed agent, but acute poisonings of this agent are rare. A review of our experience indicates, that poisoning with this agent may lead to life-threatening or fatal metformin toxicity. The authors of this publication postulate, that each patient with metformin exposure should be hospitalized. Physician must be vigilant to recognize anti-hyperglycaemic agent poisonings like biguanides when hypoglycaemia and acidosis are present in laboratory results. We present patients with metformin toxicity, some of them with fatal course.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Drug Overdose / diagnosis*
  • Drug Overdose / therapy*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / poisoning*
  • Male
  • Metformin / poisoning*
  • Middle Aged
  • Suicide

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin