Diabetes Mellitus – Drug Therapy (Summary Sheet)
1. Oral Hypoglycemic Agents
Biguanides
Metformin
- increases life span
- 1st choice of drug therapy
How does metformin work?
- decreased absorption of glucose from gut
- decreased production of glucose from liver
- increases sensitivity of insulin receptors
Indications
- DM
- PCOS
Side effects
- metallic taste
- GI upset
- lactic acidosis → ADVERSE EFFECT (life threatening)
- deficiency in vit → B9 & B12
- weight loss
Sulfonylureas
- glipizide
- glyburide
- tolbutamide
How does it work? (2 ways)
- increase insulin production from pancreas
- increase sensitivity of insulin receptors
Indications
- DM 2
Side effects
- hypoglycemia
- dark urine
