DRUG STUDY

Part 1 to be completed prior to clinical experience

Generic Name: metformin Dosage Range: 500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg tablets; 500 mg, 750 mg,
1000 sustained release tablets; 100 mg/ml, oral solution
Trade Name(s): Fortamet, Glugophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet
Classification: Hormone and anti-diabetic agent, Biguanides

Action of Medication (In 1-2 sentences using your own words): It decreases glucose level in the
blood. How does it work, improves tissue sensitivity to insulin this in turn makes easy to
transport glucose into skeletal muscle and fat.

Therapeutic Uses (In 1-2 sentences using your own words): It is effective because it lowers
glucose production in the liver in addition to increasing insulin binding to receptors.

Common Side Effects or Adverse Effects (listed according to body systems; most
common are italicized)
CNS: Headache, dizziness, agitation, fatigue,
GI: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bitter or metallic taste, diarrhea, bloatedness, anorexia,
mal-absorption of amino acid, B12 and folic acid possible.
Hypersensitivity
Nursing Responsibilities: (e.g. what does the nurse need to be alert for when administering this
drug, and what information does the patient need to be given or taught).

Monitored known or suspected alcoholics carefully for decrease of liver fuctions.

Monitor cardiovascular status throughout course of therapy; cardiopulmonary insufficiency

may predispose to lactic acidosis.

Be aware that Hypoglycemia is not a risk when drug is taken in recommended therapeutic
doses unless combined with other drugs which lower blood glucose.
Report to physician immediately if s&s of infection which increase the risk of lactic acidosis
( e.g. abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, anorexia)

Part 2 To be completed during the clinical day:
Patient #1 initials and Room number
Reason for Hospitalization
Date
For what reason or disorder is the patient
prescribed this medication?
What data tells me whether or not the
medication is effective for my patient?
What side / adverse effects is my patient
experiencing from this medication?
Patient #2 initials and Room number
Reason for Hospitalization
Date
For what reason or disorder is the patient
prescribed this medication?
What data tells me whether or not the
medication is effective for my patient?
What side / adverse effects is my patient
experiencing from this medication?