To know about Metformin HCL, at first you should know, what is Metformin? Metformin is the medicine which is mainly used for controlling the blood sugar levels of the people who have type 2diabetes. Metformin HCl is the short for metformin hydrochloride. Mainly this medicine works in three ways. It is usually taken one to three times a day in the from of a tablet or liquid version.
- It decreases the absorption of dietary carbohydrates through the intestines.
- It lessens the formation of glucose by the liver; it limits the amount of sugar absorbed into the body from the diet. When stress occurs in body, the liver releases the preserve glucose to provide the brain and muscles with an instant source of energy to deal with the pressure.
- It boosts up the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. It assists our body to transfer glucose with comparatively lessen insulin and accordingly lowering our insulin levels. Repeatedly high levels of both the glucose and insulin in our blood throw in heart diseases, obesity, infertility and certain cancers over and above the expansion of diabetes.
Some other benefits of Metforming HCL
Metformin HCL has other benefits which consist of the following:
- It reduces miscarriages of women with PCOS that is polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Increasing fertility in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
- It facilitates to losing weight. It is proved that patients who are taking metformin do not gain weight which is a frequent problem with many other diabetes medications.
- It lessens total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol which is known as BAD cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol which is know as good cholesterol.
- It reduces the level of hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c).It is proven that the higher the HbA1c, the larger the possibility for increasing long-term troubles associated with diabetes such heart disease, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy.
Some side effects of Metformin HCL are quite possible. The most possible side effects are-
- Metformin HCL can be the reason of gastrointestinal disturbances which includes occasional nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, gas, weakness or vomiting.
- It can suddenly create high blood sugar, chest pain, or signs of any allergic reaction.
- Women who use metformin can suffer for general malaise, fatigue and occasional achiness which can last for variable duration.
- It can be the source of kidney problem, animia, lactic acidosis and lever problems.
- Though it is helpful for pregnancy for the type 2 diabetes affected women but it is found in breast milk so it’s not suitable to breast feed while taking this medicine.
- It can cause abnormal stools and taste changes.
- It can be the reason of early hair loss.
- It can be the reason of flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle pain, etc.
- It can reduce the absorption of Vitamin B12. “Intrinsic factor” is a substance which combines with B12 so that it can be transported into the blood. Metformin reduces the capability of absorption of this intrinsic factor.
- Metformin contribute to increase the level of homocysteine which can create various pregnancy complications such as pre-ecampsia, eclampsia, early pregnancy loss, etc.
Most of the side effects of metformin HCL are comparatively minor. But several effects are potentially severe and those required instant remedial consideration. Patient should consult their doctors as soon as they can watch the indicators of side effects.