Grapefruit & Metformin

Metformin is sold under the brand name Glucophage and is an oral anti-diabetic drug that helps control blood sugar levels. Metformin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat Type 2 diabetes. Metformin reduces blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose you absorb from food and the amount of glucose your liver makes. Grapefruit may have serious interactions with certain prescription medications.

No Grapefruit Interaction With Metformin

Certain chemicals in grapefruit and grapefruit products can interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs, leading to increased drug levels in your body, according to MayoClinic.com. There is no reported interaction between metformin and grapefruit, according to Drugs.com.

Grapefruit Precautions

You are more likely to experience adverse effects of medications if they interact with grapefruit. Taking grapefruit juice at a different time from the drug does not prevent a drug-food interaction. Some people experience an interaction three days after eating or drinking grapefruit, according to FamilyDoctor.org. If you do not know if the drug you are taking interacts with grapefruit, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Metformin Administration

Metformin is available as a regular tablet, extended-release tablet and liquid taken orally. The regular tablet is usually taken two or three times a day with meals. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once a day with the evening meal. Swallow metformin extended-release tablets whole without crushing or chewing. Do not increase metformin dosage without permission from your doctor.

Metformin Effects

Common side effects of metformin include weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and gas. Adverse effects of metformin include breathing problems, wheezing, swelling of the face and tongue, muscle weakness, numbness of your feet and legs, dizziness and slow uneven pulse, according to Drugs.com. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice these adverse effects.