All doses of metformin should be taken with food and never on an empty stomach since it is known for causing gastrointestinal side
effects including nausea, bloating and diarrhoea. Sometimes however it may also cause constipation. It is always worth having a conversation with people who have been on metformin for long periods of time to understand if they experience intermittent diarrhoea.
If people are experiencing intermittent diarrhoea, consideration should be given to metformin as the possible cause.
- If the intermittent diarrhoea is bearable and not inhibiting day to day life, then this may not require intervention.
- If, intermittent diarrhoea is a concern for people, it is worth
discussion with the prescribing doctor and/or referral to the health
care team.