Question

18B-122 Metformin commonly held 24-48 hours pre-op due to risk of:

A. cardiovascular morbidity
B. renal failure
C. hypoglycaemia
D. lactic acidosis
E. all of the above

Answer 1

Metformin is held before surgery to prevent lactic acidosis, a condition where lactic acid builds up in the blood, which is a risk associated with this medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

Metformin, an oral antidiabetic medication, is commonly withheld 24-48 hours before surgery due to the risk of lactic acidosis. This condition arises when metformin causes an accumulation of lactic acid in the bloodstream, which can be particularly hazardous in cases of renal impairment or conditions that compromise drug clearance. By discontinuing metformin pre-operatively, healthcare providers aim to minimize the potential for lactic acidosis, a serious metabolic complication. This precaution is especially relevant in patients with underlying renal dysfunction or other factors influencing lactic acid production. Patient safety and proactive management of potential complications are paramount in the perioperative care of individuals taking metformin.