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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Watery Stool A Side Effect Of Metformin?

I have watery stools frequently and wonder if it can be a side effect of Metformin er 750mg 2xday? I was taking only 500mg regular Metformin and did not have watery stools when taking it. I have been on the Metformin er for 3 months along with Glibizide ex .
Mon, 4 May 2015
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Dear User,

Thanks for Asking.

Before Commenting further ! Can I Get a little more information from your end .
1) How long has to been since the Metformin dose has been increased ?
2) Are you sure its not food poisoning or gastroenteritis that is causing loose stools before attributing the loose stools to the drug..

Now coming to your Question .

Yes Can be ! Metformin can cause Diarrhoea. But usually for many patients the Diarrhoea Settles with in a week or two.

Diarrhoea is known to be more common with the plain metformin than the extended release form. There are 4 things we usually suggest to our patients when they complain side effects like these with metformin

1) Shift from Plain metformin to a Sustained Release form
2) Take Metformin after Food
3) Reduce the Dose or get back to the comfortable dose
4) Wait and Watch it to Resolve

Since you have already been on an ER form . I suggest you to try the remaining 3 options ..

Take Plenty of Fluids , make sure you arent dehydrating . if severe i suggest you to go back to your physician.


Hope this helps. If there is any thing else write back to me , ill be happy to help you ..

Regards
Dr.Samuel
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Is Watery Stool A Side Effect Of Metformin?

Dear User, Thanks for Asking. Before Commenting further ! Can I Get a little more information from your end . 1) How long has to been since the Metformin dose has been increased ? 2) Are you sure its not food poisoning or gastroenteritis that is causing loose stools before attributing the loose stools to the drug.. Now coming to your Question . Yes Can be ! Metformin can cause Diarrhoea. But usually for many patients the Diarrhoea Settles with in a week or two. Diarrhoea is known to be more common with the plain metformin than the extended release form. There are 4 things we usually suggest to our patients when they complain side effects like these with metformin 1) Shift from Plain metformin to a Sustained Release form 2) Take Metformin after Food 3) Reduce the Dose or get back to the comfortable dose 4) Wait and Watch it to Resolve Since you have already been on an ER form . I suggest you to try the remaining 3 options .. Take Plenty of Fluids , make sure you arent dehydrating . if severe i suggest you to go back to your physician. Hope this helps. If there is any thing else write back to me , ill be happy to help you .. Regards Dr.Samuel