1. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
  2. Your veterinarian may instruct you to induce vomiting, however, do not induce vomiting unless instructed to.
  3. If possible, bring the dug with its packaging, label and/or package insert to aid in calculation of the dose ingested.

OTHER NAMES

Metformin hydrochloride, Glucophage, Riomet, Fortamet.

TOXICITY

MODERATE

CLINICAL SIGNS

Onset of clinical signs is usually within 1 to 2 hours, but varies between 15 minutes to 8 hours after oral ingestion. Clinical signs may last for 18-24 hours.

  • Vomiting (most common clinical sign reported)
  • Inappetence
  • Diarrhoea
  • Lethargy
  • Low body temperature (hypothermia)
  • Pale gums
  • Hindlimb tremors

EFFECTS OF TOXICITY

Metformin decreases glucose production by the liver, and may also decrease glucose absorption from the intestines and increase tissue sensitivity to insulin (thereby promoting glucose uptake).

TREATMENT

Veterinary care may involve further decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract, administration of activated charcoal, gastroprotectants and intravenous fluids.

REFERENCES

BSAVA (2012) BSAVA/VPIS Guide to Common Canine and Feline Poisons. Gloucester: BSAVA.

Heller, JB (2007) Metformin overdose in dogs and cats. Veterinary Medicine. 102(4):231-234.