Beta Blockers and Metformin

[Suko3000]

Morning All,

I've been prescribed a small dose of propranolol and I'm slightly concerned about the interactions with metformin, my GP is unconcerned but diabetes is stated as a caution . I do have hypos with metformin which is a concern with propranolol. I'd be interested to hear of anyone elses experience with this combination of drugs. I take 2000mg metformin and have been prescribed 10- 30mg propranolol as required.

Thanks in advance for any info

 

[Fenn]

Hi, I take Bisoprolol, I also take 2g of Met. haven’t noticed any problems, I am always having hypos, they seem the same now as they were a year ago before I started the BB, following with interest though, best of luck.

 

[boggle]

Are you sure you are type 2? I thought metformin didn't cause hypo's, can't say I've ever had it though.

 

[catinahat]

Metformin is not normally associated with hypo's, anything is possible though we're all different after all. Have you checked your glucose levels when you have a hypo to make sure that it not a false one ?

 

[Oldvatr]

Seems there are no reported interactions
https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/inderal-with-metformin-1956-1266-1573-0.html

FYI the metformin dose you stated is capable of lowering blood glucose by between 1,0 and 2 mmol/l so if your normal control point is 5.0 mmol/l with diet and exercise, then Met has the potential to give a mild hypo. Modern glucometers have an error allowance of +/- 0.7 mmol/l at this level so could give false 'result; either way.

 

[Suko3000]

Hi, I take Bisoprolol, I also take 2g of Met. haven’t noticed any problems, I am always having hypos, they seem the same now as they were a year ago before I started the BB, following with interest though, best of luck.

Ok good to know, thank you

 

[Suko3000]

Are you sure you are type 2? I thought metformin didn't cause hypo's, can't say I've ever had it though.

I have wondered this myself, as has my diabetic nurse, I don't really fit the profile for type II but I was tested for other types of Diabetes about 10 years ago with a negative result.

 

[Suko3000]

Metformin is not normally associated with hypo's, anything is possible though we're all different after all. Have you checked your glucose levels when you have a hypo to make sure that it not a false one ?

Yes definitely hypos, I had insulin dependent gestational diabetes so I usually recognise a hypo coming on and test my blood. They are not too frequent though thankfully

 

[bulkbiker]

Yes definitely hypos, I had insulin dependent gestational diabetes so I usually recognise a hypo coming on and test my blood. They are not too frequent though thankfully

What kind of levels do you see?