Class: Biguamide antidiabetic

Manufacturer: Cosmos Limited, Rangwe Rd; Off Lunga Lunga Rd, Nairobi, Kenya

Dosage Form: Tablet

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Uses:

Glucomet as monotherapy is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise in the management of type 2 diabetes. Glucomet may be used in combination with sulphonylureas, thiazolidnediones and insulin to improve glycaemic control in adults.

Dosage:

Children 10 years and over and adolescents

The usual starting dose is 500 or 850mg once a day. The maximum daily dose is 2000mg taken as 2 or 3 divided doses.

Treatment of children between 10 and 12 years of age is only recommended on specific advice from your doctor, as experience in this age is limited.

Adults

The usual starting dose is 500mg 2-3 times daily or 850mg 1-2 times daily. The maximum daily dose is 2-3g taken in divided doses.

If you are taking insulin too, the doctors will advice you how to start Glucomet.

Side Effects:

Gastrointestinal adverse effects include anorexia, nausea and diarrhea. Patients may experience a metallic taste and there may be weight loss, Absorption of various substances including vitamin B12 may be impaired. Lactic acidosis, sometimes, fatal has occurred.

Warnings & Precautions:

Acute poisoning may lead to the development of lactic acidosis and calls for intensive supportive therapy.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

Tell your doctor if you are or you think you might be or are planning to become pregnant, so that he or she may change your treatment.

This medicine is not recommended if you are breastfeeding or if you are planning to feed your baby.

Drug Interactions:

Use of glucomet with other drugs that lower blood glucose concentrations increases the risk of hypoglycemia, while drugs that increase blood glucose may reduce the effect of Glucomet therapy.

Contraindications:

Taking other medicines

If you are taking any of the following medicines, your blood sugar levels may need to be checked more often and your dose adjusted.

• Diuretics
• Beta-2-agonists such as salbutamol or terbutaline
• Corticosteroids

Alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis as well as of hypoglycemia. Care should be taken if glucomet is given with drugs that may impair renal function.

Price: Ksh 7

Notes:

Glucomet is available with most suppliers and distributers