• A K Ellis and E A Iliescu.
• Department of Internal Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7, Canada. ellisa@kgh.kari.net
• Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Jan 1;8(2):104-6.

AbstractMetformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent belonging to the class of biguanides that are commonly used in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus. Lactic acidosis is a rare but severe adverse reaction that occurs primarily in patients with contraindications such as renal failure. The case of a 71-year-old woman with type II diabetes, in whom severe metformin-associated lactic acidosis was precipitated by acute renal failure in the absence of pre-existing chronic renal failure or other absolute contraindications to biguanide use, is presented. Aggressive correction of the acidosis and prolonged dialysis resulted in a favourable outcome despite severe acidosis. The present case report shows that metformin-associated lactic acidosis can occur in patients without pre-existing renal insufficiency. Metformin should be temporarily stopped when acute renal failure occurs or is anticipated.

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