I was just diagnosed with diabetes. Last week my doctor prescribed metformin to me. I take one 500mg pill two times a day. I have been having diarrhea about 2 hours after each dose. Is this normal and will it go away? I, also, take lisinopril for blood pressure and a baby aspirin for heart protection.
How can I stop the diarrhea caused by metformin?
Question posted by oxmoore on 25 Feb 2013
Last updated on 28 July 2022
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
55 Answers Page 3
lgstotChes
4 Oct 2016
I took regular metformin for years and had diarrhea all day for years. And i ended up with diverticulitis so I stopped using it for a fewyears. I went back on it a couple months ago but started using the extended release and at first my diarrhea was mild and occasional for the first month but when I reached the dose Dr. wanted me on, it came back full force... 8 plus times a day, so I've cut the dosage in half but it doesn't matter, it continues. ..constant diarrhea.. running to the bathroom diarrhea and my diviticulitis is hurting more. But I don't know what to do. It totally keeps my blood sugar normal. Nothing else does. Taking too much pepto bismol wouldn't be healthy either (as one suggested)... why is there no other medicine like metformin that's not metformin. PS. If you find yourself with a frequent little nagging cough, it's the lisinopril for HBP.
Realpro669
4 Oct 2016
I have added Propiotic and Imodium and checked with my doctor and was told that it was safe to use to fight the side effects. I have used Fiber on occasion but the best relief seems to come from Imodium and Propiotic. I take 500MG extended release three times a day, most times with food and it has helped significantly
lgstotChes
5 Oct 2016
I'll give the Imodium a try. And take the pro biotic more regularly. Thanks.
D67
18 Sep 2016
Add more fiber/METAMUECIL to your diet.
marykbrady
30 Aug 2016
Just because Metformin is the go-to drug for doctors to subscribe, does not mean you have to stay on it. Everyone says diarrhea will go away. I had IBS for 40 years. It doesn't go away for some. There is an extended release, I think. You might ask about that. I had 5-6 bouts of diarrhea daily for 5 years, then I got the intestinal flu and it took me 8 hours to realize I was actually ill. I went off Metformin for 5 weeks. My sugar stayed perfect and then I told my doctor I didn't think it worked at all for me.
Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. Feeling nauseous, becoming dehydrating should concern the doctor. Good luck. Hope it changes for you.
marykbrady
30 Aug 2016
Oh, about Lisinopril - is the coughing drug. There are many, many blood pressure meds and you will tolerate them, if you have side effects. I think blood pressure drugs have side effects especially dizzy when you stand after sitting awhile.
PianoMom
3 Aug 2016
Metamucil is what you need. Take it daily. This is THE BEST way to combat the diarrhea, nausea, and stomach ache from Metformin. It's good for your body too. I know it sounds backwards to take it when you already have diarrhea, but Metamucil works for both constipation AND diarrhea. My brother is a colo-rectal surgeon and he was the one who suggested the Metamucil. I have used both the Metamucil brand and the generic brand and both work great. It provides pretty instant relief too. It has changed my life so that I can survive the side effects from the Metformin. Good luck.
Realpro669
3 Aug 2016
The Metamucil does seem to help. I also am adding Imodium every second day. Sometimes I go days for a time and every thing is fine, the I hit a few days where its bad.
Lausanne75
8 Aug 2016
I'm so happy to learn that other people have diarrhea with Metformin. When I go to the bathroom, I see undissolved meds in the toilet, and that's bad because they are important for my health. I'll try a probiotic or Metamusil.
Blui715
1 March 2017
The reason you see what appears to be undissolved pulls in the toilet is that the medication is imbedded in a pill made out of a plastic type material. The medication comes out of the material through digestion but the "pill" may stay intact.
Lausanne75
1 March 2017
Blui715: Thanks for the explanation!
Intrepidfred
4 July 2016
If some of you used Xenical or Olestra in the past, you totally understand what it feels like to be on Metformin. I realized that my stool get oily and smelly after I ate fatty food and/or had alcohol - as if Metformin was blocking the absorption of fatty cells in my body. When that happens, I have to run at the bathroom (20 secs... ) and sometimes have to go 2-3 times within 1 hour. My solution: I eat a lot of protein, cut down on liquid fat (gravy, fried food) and carbs. I noticed that I don't experience these symptoms after a huge dinner consisting of lean beef or chicken and tons of veggies.
Although Metformin helps me lose weight (about 5 pounds/month), I find it frustrating sometimes. If I drink more than 2 glasses of wine, I will need to lie down and rest for about an hour. Before using Metformin, I could eat huge portions of food. It seems that the medication has now restored my capacity to feel full. It's a good thing but sometimes it is frustrating - I want to enjoy more food. But my body can't.
sjwalken
4 July 2016
What a wonderful problem to have! I'm jealous. My body does not react the same way at all. It just shows we are all so different. I hope the frustration lessens for you, and you continue to lose weight without too much inconvenience. Good luck!
johnparker999
20 June 2016
hello, I came across this on the internet today and thought it may be of interest...
my friend cannot tolerate Metformin and her doctor switched her to Glumetza, an alternative to Metformin. She said this morning that she had not side effects at all, no upset stomach, no diarrhea etc.
"Although other long-acting forms of metformin are available (such as Glucophage XR and Fortamet), Glumetza is not equivalent to these products. Glumetza is specially designed to release the medication in the stomach, not in the intestines (as with other metformin products). This may decrease the intestinal-related side effects (such as diarrhea and gas).
Who Makes It?
Glumetza is manufactured by Depomed, Inc.
How Does Glumetza Work?
Glumetza is part of a class of diabetes medications known as biguanide medications. Glumetza works in several ways. It decreases the amount of sugar (glucose) made by the liver. It can also decrease the amount of sugar absorbed into the body from the diet and can make insulin receptors more sensitive, helping the body respond to its own insulin better. All of these effects cause a decrease in blood sugar levels and lead to better control of diabetes.
Because Glumetza does not increase the amount of insulin produced by the body, it is less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), like many other diabetes medications can."
I hope this helps...
hopkia
8 July 2016
This is absolutely true, or at least it was for me. I was on glumetza for 3 years for pcos while trying to get pregnant. Very little side affects and it helped regulate my body to work as it should. After our little one was born I was horrified to find out that a certain pharma company bought glumetza and increased the cost some 5000%. I used to pay roughly $60 for 30days supply of 1500mg, doing so now is nearly $5k and the insurance companies absolutely refuse to cover any of the cost even with a letter of medical necessity.
Now I'm stuck with metformin er and this unbelievably horrible diarrhea. I just tried last night to break up the dosage, 1000mg at bedtime and 500 at lunch. Didn't have to run to the restrooms at work once today. Until this evening, of course, where I have found myself in pain and in the bathroom twice within 20 minutes. It is so embarrassing and makes me feel like I'll never be able to live life like we all should be able to.
reinbergs
11 June 2016
I take Metformin 850 2x daily for Longevity.
I have diarrhea as a side effect.
I fond that taking only One Imodium every Second day keeps my stool hard enough.
StarGlitter
21 Jan 2016
My doctor had a solution to the side affects of Metformin. I used to have the terrible heartburn. I now take XR Metformin which is extended release. That way it does hit you all at once. This pretty much took care of my problem. If you do your research, there are also pharmacies that will provide the XR for free also. Hope this helps. StarGlitter
Realpro669
22 Jan 2016
The XR does help a lot! I add probiotics and metamucil and almost 100 percent of the problem seems to have cleared up. Metformin is extremely inexpensive, I get mine free through insurance but even if you pay cash at places like Wal Mart it's only $5.00. Actually I have read recent studies that show Metformin may actually lengthen life itself. Right now studies to that effect are going on in UK due to recent trends.
Realpro669
1 March 2017
I have been on Metformin 1500MG per day for over a year now and diarerria has been an issue. I counter it with one Imoduim per day which the doctor says is fine. Metimucil once per day and propiotic. The doctor has offerred othr meds but I declined, there is clear evidence that metformin actually is good for longevity and studies have been going on here and in abroad. You must get the ER metformin as it makes a big difference. I'm holdiing an A1C of about 6.5
fredrick1946
17 Jan 2016
I am taking metformin for about 1 yr. I started taking 500mg twice a day. developed diareaha and it has gotten worse(2-3 times a day). was prescribed glimepride 4mg to take in the evening and 1- 500mg metformin in the morning. I usually have a normal bowel movement in the morning and have 1to 5 bowel movements a day, each time worse than the time before
NO OFFENSE, but could I get an answere.
What can I do to slow this problem brought on by a drug
yodge93
10 Jan 2016
Hello oxmoore. It will settle with time, your body will get used to the Metformin. But, if after 2 - 3 months it has not stopped? Go back to see your doctor and tell him/her - there are other tablets you can take. My Mother was taken off Metformin because of the constant diarrhoea, and yet with myself it has the opposite effect = Constipation and I've been on Metformin now about 13 - 14 yrs. It is well known that Metformin's side effect the majority of people and that is: Constipation and/or Diarrhoea. Regards, yodge93.
Realpro669
1 Dec 2017
I have to say in my personal case which spans years my body has never adjusted. I have taken steps that appear to have at least kept it under control. I had my doctor give me 500MG extended release tabs which helps a little, but I have found that so far the best defense to the diarrea problem is imodium daily and the daily drinking of medimucil which the fiber absorbs the water that causes diarrea. On occasion I have taken pepto bismal as well. This has helped a lot. I'd like to stick with Metformin as I believe its safe as compared to some of the newer type 2 meds. Actually if you google metformin and longevity it appears that metformin may extend our lives. I have a BMI of 25 at age 66 and I'm trying to get it even lower as my A1/C seems to get below 6 when can get my weight down.
sonnig_tag
10 Jan 2016
Oh my goodness!!! Ok, I've been on 1000 mg Metformin 2x daily for a while now (almost a year, probably). What your doctor is not telling you is that NAUSEA and DIARRHEA are NOT something out of your control and they ARE avoidable! STOP TREATING THE SYMPTOMS and instead prevent it from happening!
Metamucil, Ammodium AD, probiotics... unnecessary!
First, do some research about what METFORMIN does to treat your issue. I am talking about how it works in your body, what it corrects or alters.
Second, understand that if you give your body (now in combination with the medication) MORE WORK TO DO, it will do it! For example, if you eat a bowl of pasta or a piece of cake (remember: Metformin is already working to help your organs- which aren't doing their jobs- metabolize the carbs). YOU WILL GET DIARRHEA! So do yourself a favor and begin learning about proper nutrition and what spikes and drops your blood sugar! You can prevent the diarrhea!
Third, anyone can become nauseous when taking an aggressive medication when your stomach has nothing in it! EAT SOMETHING FIRST! Like breakfast (no not a donut and a 500 calorie Starbucks coffee, eggs, a small omelette, a nonfat Greek yogurt, for example). And keep your blood sugar stable by eating something with protein in it (150-250 calories every 3-4 hrs). Ever take a multivitamin on an empty stomach? Feel like you were going to barf half an hour later?! Same thing!! Too potent for a bare and unguarded stomach lining!
It is safe to limit yourself to 50 net carbs per day without sacrificing mental capacity or clarity.
Please do not be a slave to additional pills and remedies! Your body is trying to regulate with the help of the medication already... HELP IT DO THAT! You can't keep living/eating the way that got you where you are.
I'm sorry if this offends anyone. I have been through all of this with NO advice or guidance from my doctor, and through doing my own research and trial & error have found I do not need anything else other than focus on balancing my food intake with medication timing.
MSchwarzin
10 Jan 2016
A very low carb diet of mostly protein and vegetables with a small amount of fruit (a serving per day) and occasionally some nuts works for me. I take 2000 mg per day in divided doses with breakfast and dinner. I also take Bio-Kult probiotic caps twice a day. One thing I have noticed is that the more starchy food I eat the worse the diarrhea is. If I avoid all starchy foods (no potatoes, grains, sugars) I have the best control. Doesn't completely eliminate the diarrhea but it is much less frequent and often I go for days with normal bowel movements on this regimen.
KrogSpam
10 Jan 2016
Why do you suppose that is?
fairguy
10 April 2016
I wonder if it is its way of getting rid of more sugars. ??? It takes some out when u urinate and if your not urinating enough??? Just a thought... I'm trying to keep track what I eat when it happens. .. Doesn't bother me all the time but most of the time... and seems like with in an 1/2 an hour of eating so it makes it tough to eat out... lol
connie61671
14 July 2016
I cut it the bad carbs before I started taking metformin. 1000mg a day so I didn't have an issue when I started taking it. No whites. No bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, white sugar. I watch closely what I eat since diagnosed. Co worker brought banana bread to work and I just had to try a slice. Big mistake I'll never make again. Was in the bathroom 20 minutes later. It's intended to take with a healthy balanced diet. My opinion and just my opinion is that some people think it's a wonder drug and will do the work for them and they can eat what they want. No you can't.
snowflakeleona
31 March 2017
I want you to know I have battles diarrhea for years. Metamucil makes it worse. But I thought of something to at least tray a little apple cider vinegar with water. It seemed to make it better--at least not worse.
Realpro669
14 July 2017
I take 1500MG Metformin Extended release, thats important with food. 1 Imodium per day (Wal Mart Brand works fine) On occasion Metimucil and it seems to have taken care of the problem. If you want to learn good benefits of Metformin google Metformin & Longevity. Studies have shown in Europe it may actually extend your life.
Kitty77
2 Oct 2018
I eat a low carb diet (50g of carbs a day or less), eat plenty of vegetables, walk 2 miles a day, and take 1 500mg metformin a day. The diarrhea has become so bad that I'm not sleeping most nights until the med runs its course. Im also plagued with vominting at least twice a week. My dosage is so low already that my only option is to quit taking the drug altogether. This stuff is toxic. Tried low dose, tried Imodium, cant take pepto because i have an ulcer. I told my doctor that the side effects were too severe, all he did was lower my dose. Told a new doctor that the side effects were too severe, she tried putting me on extended release. Why? So i can be miserable all day as opposed to a few hours? Thanks, but no thanks. When will these doctors realize that their 'safe' drug is not safe at all?
brighteyes1983
22 Dec 2015
I take metformin 1000 twice a day for what we are calling metabolic syndrome. I have such bad diarrhea on it that I have to take imodium with it twice a day. That keeps my bowl movements pretty normal. My doctor said there are no long term effects of taking imodium so I highly recommend it to you fellow sufferers.
KrogSpam
24 Dec 2015
How much immodium do you take?
Any tips on how/where to find the best price?
Realpro669
24 March 2016
Might want to try Metamucil I found relieve with that as it absorbs the excess water going to your intestines. Might be a better solution to taking a second drug. I also do a propionic.
reinbergs
14 July 2017
I take one generic Imodium every second day like clockwork. Best price is at Costco. Kirkland Signature anti diarrheal, 400 caplets for $7.59
DCljack
15 Aug 2017
This works for me as well. I get the Kirkland generic Loperamide on Amazon for dirt cheap and it works great. I'm using the combo drug Janumet XR which has 500mg Metformin twice a day. It works great on my glucose levels, but wreaks havoc on my digestion. I slip in a little green pill every other day or so, seems to keep me happy. I was worried about ling term affects of loperamide, but everything I've heard and read has nothing negative on it.
Djanderson0817
18 Dec 2018
Be careful taking Imodium if you are taking any cardiac medications. Several have severe interactions with Imodium.
Showbiz
2 Dec 2015
People! Immodium AD or generic brand, over the counter will solve your problems! A totally innocuous and safe supplement. Will solve your Metformin woes. I take it with the dose and it's totally miraculous. Good luck!
dutchie1223
2 Feb 2016
Agree I had bad digestive issue but gone if I take immodium! I have just started taking metformin for PCOS. My parnter and I are about to start trying to start a family. Good luck everyone
Glen56
13 Aug 2016
I have had diarrhea for years! I take metformin. I have gone to two specialist with no good results! I have taken 9 Pepto Bismol tablets a day, per Dr., started with 3 a day. I have taken Immodium, 2 or 3 tablets, 2 or 3 times a day, per Dr. Nothing seems to help!!! I go to my regular Dr. next month so I stopped taking metformin, but I'm keeping a close watch on my blood sugar. I can be fine and in just 30 seconds, yes, I said seconds, I have to RUSH to the restroom!!! NOT FUN!!! I hope this works!!!
psu3182
5 Nov 2016
When my gynecologist put me on the Metformin for extremely problematic PCOS symptoms (two 500mg pills per day)--- and no, not to try to get pregnant-I'm still on the pill, just to improve the other symptoms and hopefully hold off early-onset diabetes since PCOS leads to Metabolic syndrome, and then that leads to diabetes... I have to eat crow here, because my first thought was, "why are all of these people complaining about it, just buy Imodium" (or the generic, loperamide). WOW, was I wrong! I've been on it a little over 8 months now and I have to take 4 Imodium with each dose of Metformin. I've also tried higher doses of Imodium, but I hesitate to do so again.
The "best" part of spending the additional money each month on the Imodium-and it really starts to add up (because Highmark doesn't care if you have to spend your life within 20 feet of a toilet most days), is that the Imodium frequently causes lots of extremely unpleasant gas (what lady isn't thrilled about that?!). On the days that it actually works to lessen the diarrhea (not stop, but lessen), it leaves my lower intestines in such cramping pain that it is difficult to take a deep breath or stand fully upright, and it makes me feel so bloated that I would wake up and swear that I ate a 10lb boulder for dinner the night before. Which leads me to the point I had planned on making at the beginning of this rambling missive--I am a high school teacher, and more often than not, the Metformin makes my life almost unbearable--I blow through my sick days in no time, and most of the days that I do make it in to work, I'm terrified that I'm going to have an accident. I am absolutely willing to try the probiotics mentioned in an earlier post, but since I am not on the Met for diabetes, just the PCOS, does anyone have any suggestions for alternative prescription medications?
Rosa52
19 Feb 2017
Hi, when do you take the Immodium, before or after eating? TYIA
DrDoomPHd
1 May 2017
I know this is an old comment, but I want to add information for posterity. Imodium (loperamide) is NOT "a totally innocuous and safe supplement." It's not a supplement at all. It's a drug; in fact, it's an opioid-receptor agonist (same as, for example, morphine). Ignorant and dangerous posts like Showbiz's above are a major problem with this site. While Imodium can't enter the brain (in any significant concentration) on its own, combined with certain drugs like P-glycoprotein inhibitors (some heart medications, antiretrovirals, and antifungals), the drug can cross the blood brain barrier and have similar psychological effects as morphine. Imodium also decreases the effectiveness of many drugs and can cause SERIOUS side effects in people with bacterial infections or suppressed immune systems. Don't spread dangerous misinformation like "Immodium is a totally innocuous and safe supplement." It's a drug. It serves a purpose, but it should be treated with respect and understood like any other drug.
reinbergs
10 July 2017
I take one generic Imodium every 2nd day. Works for me. Regular dosage is up to 4 per day. Don't need that.
frankweir
13 July 2017
DrDoom... SOOO glad you wrote this! I too was shocked when I read someone call it a "safe supplement"! ALSO, Loperamide and Immodium change how your bowel functions. It is NOT a good idea to use it on a daily basis. When I am traveling for hours, I don't take Metformin. If I do take it, and take Loperamide, I can have serious constipation. For all us older folks, it is NOT a good idea to take something that might cause you to have to strain to go to the bathroom due to constipation. Ask ER doctors and cardiologists: "straining at the stool" can precipitate a coronary event or heart attack. Some think this is what happened to Elvis Presley due to heart disease, a family history of sudden cardiac death, and opioid drug use that caused him severe constipation. He died in his bathroom at Graceland.
Crazyasakite
5 Dec 2017
I did exactly that thinking the same thing as you. Only for me, it created the bloating and severe pain in my intestines. I could practically watch the stool trying to go through the transverse colon. I have tried Metformin multiple times and each time the intestinal upset was just too severe. I tried the Farxiga and it worked great for two weeks and then caused a kidney stone, so I had to get off that. I am now on insulin even though I should have to be.
Realpro669
23 Dec 2017
Imodium doesn't seem to be enough on it own. I have found a combo of Imodium, Metamucil 3X per day and Pepto on occasion seems to at least keep it in check. My doctor explained that the Metamucil fiber will absorb the excess water and avoid the diarriea. I don't want to give up Metformin as if you google Metformin and logevity you will find many stories that life expentency may be higher with Metformin. Many of the other type 2 drugs I see on the TV can cause serious damage.
lambeth66
18 Oct 2015
I suffered with terrible watery diarrhoea for three months after starting metformin and then accidentally discovered if I didn't eat apples I didn't have diarrhoea! Simple thing but changed my life. Eat pears instead.
Realpro669
18 Oct 2015
Interesting but I don't generally eat fresh apples or pears for that matter. An occasional apple pi slice Actually I should eat more fresh fruit but I tend to eat raw veggies like carrots and tomatoes which is technically a fruit. I have added a second probiotic and the problem hasn't gone away but seems less often an issue. Also I think using the ER version and being careful to time it around a meal is important. The problem though is its difficult to carry the med's when you're out and more likely to be eating. I was going to at least try the metimucil thoughts I've seen on here.
Buggs333
20 July 2018
Hi, does anyone know of Safe med to take besides metformin? I can't take it anymore, I'm lucky to make it to the bathroom. I quit taking it for a month, things improved so I started on half my dosage and boy did I regret that!!! I'm home bound because I have to stay close to the bathroom. Is there a better med, that is safe I could take, please someone answer me, I am desperate
Related topics
diarrhea, diabetes, type 2, metformin, doctor
Further information
- Metformin uses and safety info
- Metformin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Metformin (detailed)
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