title: Adult metformin ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers, 2000-2006.
abstract: Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Limited information exists on adult metformin ingestions reported to poison control centers. The distribution of adult metformin ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers during 2000-2006 was determined for various factors. In addition, triage guidelines for the management of isolated ingestions were drafted. Of 1528 total metformin ingestions, 58% involved coingestants. Of the 264 ingestions of metformin alone, where the final medical outcome was known, dose ingested was reported for 66%. The mean reported dose was 4739 mg (range 500-60,000 mg). Ingestions of < or =2500 mg and >5000 mg reported doses differed with respect to the proportion involving suspected attempted suicide (6% versus 81%), serious final medical outcome (3% versus 19%), and referral to a health care facility (3% versus 83%). Using 5000 mg as a threshold dose for referral to a health care facility, 91% of cases not already at or en route to a health care facility were managed according drafted triage guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Texas Department of State Health Services, 1100 W 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756, USA. mathias.forrester@dshs.state.tx.us
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Forrester
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D008687:Metformin / Q000506:poisoning*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011039:Poison Control Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D013781:Texas; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014218:Triage
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin