Metformin Tab

Biguanide hypoglycemic for equine metabolic syndrome and insulin dysregulation in horses; adjunct to dietary management. Biguanide antihyperglycemic (metformin HCl). Mechanism: primarily activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) → inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis; also improves peripheral insulin sensitivity and reduces intestinal glucose absorption. Does not cause hypoglycemia (insulin-independent). Used in equine metabolic syndrome/insulin dysregulation. Renally excreted unchanged. Key information Biguanide for insulin resistance/diabetes (equine PPID, canine diabetes). GI side effects — administer with food. Monitor blood glucose. Store at room temperature.

Oral tablets: Administer orally via dose syringe placed at the back of the tongue, or mix into a small amount of palatable feed. mixed into grain or via syringe for horses. Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Start at low dose and titrate. Administer twice daily with meals. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one. Administer with food.

GI: diarrhea, soft feces, anorexia (most common, often dose-dependent and transient). Lactic acidosis risk with renal impairment, dehydration, or hypoxia (rare). GI effects may be minimized by starting at low dose. Generally well tolerated in horses.

For animals Reduce dose or extend interval in renal impairment. — do not use in patients with significant renal impairment (lactic acidosis risk). Discontinue before procedures involving iodinated contrast media. Monitor GI tolerance — initiate at low dose and titrate. Not approved for use in food-producing animals. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Biguanide — generally safe to handle. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Keep out of reach of children.

Contact your veterinarian. Metformin overdose causes GI signs and lactic acidosis. Signs include vomiting, lethargy, and weakness. Contact your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.