metformin hydrochloride, an oral antidiabetic agent. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of type 2 (non–insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: The drug should not be given to patients with allergy to metformin, diabetes associated with high ketone levels, metabolic acidosis, or kidney disease, and should be discontinued 48 hours before radiology studies using radiopaque materials. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: The side effects most often reported include general body discomfort, muscle pain, breathing difficulty, drowsiness, diarrhea, and an unpleasant metallic taste.
