Dialysis therapy for lactic acidosis caused by metformin intoxication: presentation of two cases

Hum Exp Toxicol. 2011 Dec;30(12):1995-7. doi: 10.1177/0960327111403177. Epub 2011 Mar 25.

Abstract

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic, which is frequently used in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus. Serious side effects may be seen during the administration of high doses of metformin. Two cases of lactic acidosis due to ingestion of high dose metformin for suicidal purposes have been presented here; in both cases, clinical improvement was seen with bicarbonate hemodialysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis, Lactic / chemically induced
  • Acidosis, Lactic / metabolism
  • Acidosis, Lactic / therapy*
  • Adolescent
  • Bicarbonates / administration & dosage*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Dialysis Solutions
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / toxicity*
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Male
  • Metformin / toxicity*
  • Renal Dialysis / methods*
  • Suicide, Attempted
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Bicarbonates
  • Dialysis Solutions
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Lactic Acid
  • Metformin