Interactions | Metformin and alcohol – is it compatible?

Interactions

The drug metformin has numerous interactions with other drugs. In some X-ray examinations or other imaging procedures, a contrast medium containing iodine is injected into the body, which is distributed to make individual structures and areas, but also tumors and so on, visible. However, it is not compatible with the drug metformin.

You should inform your doctor if such an examination is to be performed. It is necessary to stop taking the film-coated tablets for some time before and after the examination. At least 48 hours should be allowed.

Your doctor can give you exact information about how long the break before and after the examination should be. It is also possible that the blood sugar level is not correct or that the dose of the tablets has to be changed if you are taking one of the following medications in addition to metformin: Diuretics are diuretic substances that remove water from the body when patients suffer from edema or high blood pressure, for example. In addition one must report it to the physician, if one takes beta-2-Agonisten for the treatment of asthma or one takes Kortikosteroide, for the treatment of a multiplicity of inflammations, like rheumatism or in addition, of skin problems.

Other medications used to treat diabetes may also interact with metformin.For this reason, increased caution is also required here and you should tell your doctor directly. It is always best to list all the medicines you are taking if you are receiving a new medicine. This way nothing can be overlooked and the doctor has a direct overview of the overall situation.

Alcohol consumption and metformin

In combination with metformin, one should urgently avoid excessive alcohol consumption. It is important to realize that this medicine significantly increases and accelerates the effect of alcohol. Most of those affected react much more sensitively than usual to alcoholic beverages and the body tolerates much less.

The patients feel much worse much faster. In addition, the combination can trigger a lactic acidosis or cause hypoglycaemia, for example. It also becomes quite dangerous when patients overestimate their limits, which happens so quickly and is followed by alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol poisoning can be of varying severity, but in any case it severely impairs the function of the brain. Alcohol belongs to the liver and brain toxins and impairs blood formation. If alcohol poisoning or alcohol abuse occurs more often, the liver can be irreparably damaged. If the alcohol poisoning is very severe, it may well lead to death, as it can cause respiratory arrest and also circulatory arrest in combination with shock.