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 4
sjwalken
26 Aug 2015
I have been on metformin for many years, and had gastrointestinal problems almost constantly until I stumbled upon something that works for me 85% of the time. If I eat any Kashi cereal or Quaker 100% Natural Ganola for breakfast, I am likely to be OK. I can occassionally eat something else for one day, but have to go back on the cereal the next or I'm in trouble. I don't know why it works - fiber, protein, ?? but there are other high fiber or high protein cereals that don't work as well.
riverliz
12 Sep 2015
What kind of Kashi cereal do you use?
sjwalken
12 Sep 2015
Most all Kashi cereals work. I like Kashi Go-Lean Crunch because I like it a lot, but have used several others including Kashi Go Lean and others. Try one of these, then experiment. Most people get over the diarrhea after a few weeks, but I am among the unlucky 3% who really never get over it. But metformin works so well for me that I was happy to stumble upon this solution.
KrogSpam
10 Jan 2016
Kashi? Granola? All those carbs would cause exactly what I'm taking Metformin to prevent...
eoleary2
19 Feb 2016
I started using Kashi Go Lean Crunch at 3/4 C dry. It stopped the diarrhea but found it was pretty high in carbs/calories... so now I take 1/2 C dry and it's great. Thanks so for the support... I am a new person
sjwalken
19 Feb 2016
I am so happy it helped you! I realize we aren't supposed to eat lots of carbs, but I've been on metformin most of the last 20 years. We've tried other meds and had worse side effects on everything else. I gained a ton of weight on Actos (not helpful for diabetes.) I was just glad to find something that helped me, and hoped it would help someone else.
Please let's not be judgemental. Everyone needs to understand that most people experience the diarrhea when we first start metformin. They say that over 90% of patients adjust and get over the diarrhea within the first few week to a month. Another 8% or so get better in time. Just 2-3% of us don't get better. We battle the diarrhea forever. To say to someone that you will get over it, that all you have to do is eat fewer carbs, is not exactly true. Our bodies are all different, and for some reason we do react differently. Most reading this post are in the 2%.
If you are fortunate enough to be in the vast majority, count yourself fortunate.
I have recently been given the timed release metformin, and I think it has helped, but I'm afraid to quit eating the Kashi/granola entirely. Just had problems yesterday after eating oatmeal twice in one week instead of the Kashi/granola. Sigh. I still need to try metamucil. Thanks for all the suggestions.
frankweir
13 July 2017
Good comments, helpful. I will try the cereal. I think mixing the 1/2 cup with some Greek low-carb yoghurt might be a good idea. Also one person said "just lose weight and you won't need the drug" but that is hardly a universal. Certainly weight loss can be extremely important but degradation of the pancreas and how each body reacts to changing metabolism over time means that weight loss alone is not the solution. My older brother has progressed from Type 2 to being completely insulin dependent and he is thin now. I assume this will be my future too.
reinbergs
15 Aug 2017
I tried the Kashi Go Lean. It changed the consistency of the stool but did not stop the diarrhea.
ClarkLowry
18 Aug 2015
I take two 500mg tabs of Metformin twice a day for the last five years and have had experience with abdominal pain and diarrhea. I have learned that if i take these meds with meals I can avoid this problem most days. When I say with meals I do not mean just before or just after a meal. I mean eat half, take the pills, then finish the meal. This works well for me and I rarely have problems unless I break my routine. If I go out to eat I always take my medicine with me and make sure to take it during the meal.
Sseeley
14 Sep 2015
I take 4 500mg at dinner time. I always eat half then take my pills and finish eating. I still suffer from diarrhea.
ClarkLowry
14 Sep 2015
If you are taking 2000MG at one time I don't know what to suggest. Ask your DR if you can split this into AM and PM doses.
ClarkLowry
14 Sep 2015
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2
Immediate-release:
Initial dose: 500 mg orally twice a day or 850 mg orally once a day
Dose titration: Increase in 500 mg weekly increments or 850 mg every 2 weeks as tolerated
Maintenance dose: 2000 mg daily
Maximum dose: 2550 mg daily
Comments: Take in divided doses 2 to 3 times a day with meals. Titrate slowly to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. In general, significant responses are not observed with doses less than 1500 mg/day.
--- Drugs .com
dougT1981
28 July 2015
Currently I have not gone back on metformin with Dr ok and also have NOT had another episode of diarrhea since 12 hrs going off it. Right now I'm on glyburide and Victoza with my glucose level running 88-128 most of the time but just without the metformin.
The last couple days I developed developed severe back pain on left side, potentially kidney problems which I never had before and have Dr. appointment tomorrow for testing. BEWARE of issues with Victoza as there are several attorneys filing laws suites due to alleged claims that Victoza causes kidney failure not to mention the more common back pain. Just search the internet you'll find the information. It seemed that the FDA wanted more testing over the potential problems but it was rushed to market with a $20B dollars sales potential.to diabetics. It appears my body tolerated these foreign chemicals for several years before finally reacting to the toxicity.
jsilva71361
31 Oct 2015
Isn't Victoza on tv by baddrug.com?
judystark1019
27 June 2017
Exploding and sudden dirreah for 5 yrs is like having a disability. What's the solution? Lose the weight. So found something that works, down 30lbs and off metformin.
Dawndesiree
28 July 2015
I know it's like 2 years later but... I was wondering if you were still on metformin and if so have things changed??? And as for lisinopril..that brings on coughing attacks! I got off of it and no longer have those attacks
marykbrady
31 Aug 2015
I told my doctor that (lisinopril) and drug that makes you cough is NOT good for a women with bladder control problems.
LindaOH
15 Dec 2015
I too was on Lisinopril and had to stop. The coughing got so bad I would literally gag with awful dry heaves to where I felt like I was choking to death.
Seatacmaggie
30 Aug 2016
I was also on lisinopril and had the coughing. My doctor told me this meant I had an allergy to lisinpril. As soon as they took me off of it the coughing stopped. I'm now on Losartan which is working very well.
Autumninblue
4 Aug 2017
Lisinopril gave me chronic coughing as well. Which was awful because I was working in food service. Metforman is giving me the poops too and I hate it. I feel like I can function because I have to run to literally every bathroom in sight. I have 2 kids and this is truly a pain in my rear. I will be telling my doctor about it this next visit. I take 500 in the morning and have been skipping my night one because I dont want to be up all night on the throne.
hatefrogs1
16 June 2015
I've battled the diarrhea issue now for 2 years. Have begged my doctor to take me off it, he refuses. I've tired everything, Pepto, yogurt, taking with a meal, nothing works. The dosage has been lowered 3 times, doesn't help. I ended up in the emergency room with severe diarrhea, sick as could be. I, too, have become house bound, can't go for food or medicine and live alone. What's my alternative?
sarahmarie02
19 June 2015
Find a new doctor!! If your doctor isnt listening to you and taking your concerns seriously it's time for a new one!
dougT1981
8 July 2015
I've been battling chronic watery diarrhea now for over three weeks and I was on 1000 mg/ twice daily of Metformin for three years without a major episode UNTIL three weeks ago. Doctor blamed every bacteria for the diarrhea and refused the fact all the tests were coming back NEGATIVE for bacterial infections. His only solution offered was a broadband antibiotic "CIPRO" because he was convinced it was a bacterial infection. Given the potential of sever side affects I could not see taking Cipro WITHOUT evidence of a bacterial infection! I stopped the metformin for 12 hrs and the next two bowel movement were almost completely normal. I'd did not have any other symptoms of food positioning or flue, it felt more like some kind of toxic poisoning. For all with this problem search the internet for the article "Metformin as a cause of Late-Onset Chronic Diarrhea". Old article but there appears to be UNDER reporting going on with the issue of Metformin causation of Diarrhea.
ccreager
12 Aug 2015
I have had the same issue and my doc put me on another med. If your doc will not help you, you need to change docs
ccreager
12 Aug 2015
I had the same problem and my doctor gave me a new med. If your doc won't switch you, get a new doc.
Realpro669
18 Aug 2015
Please at least try a probiotic... you may need to try a few different ones but Pearls High Potency worked wonders for me with Metformin.
Surg-tech
24 March 2016
Take vitamind3
PianoMom
3 Aug 2016
Is suggest drinking Metamucil everyday. Totally fixed my problems. My brother, a colo-rectal surgeon told me to take it for the diarrhea and nausea. It provides instant relief and I can go places now.
Nana2nano
22 Jan 2017
I've been taking Metformin for several years. I also have peripheral and autonomic neuropathy with gastroparesis. I've had chronic disabling diarrhea for 5-months. Saw the doc 2-days ago. He said before we go back to The gastroenterologist stop the Metformin for one month. He said to give it the whole month before we move on to other things. He said that Metformin could indeed cause severe chronic diarrhea despite taking it for years with no problems. It's only been 24-hours and I've only made one trip to the bathroom. My heart be still. Can this be real?
Famleegrl
8 Nov 2017
Absolutely..new doctor..any doctor who refuses to work with you and listen to you is a sorry excuse living in the "God" complex. I have better luck with female doctors listening !!!
Margaret421
12 July 2018
Your alternative is to find another doctor.
Realpro669
7 June 2015
I have run an A1C between 5-8 for several years and I have taken metformin on and off over the years. Yes, I have the gastro problems that it seems is common everytime I go on it. My doctor switched me to the extended release which did seem to help a little but not completely. I eat yogart which I'm sure helps, but I recently tried a high potency Probiotic which I take once a day. Right from the first day all the symtoms of diarrhea have stopped. It's only been a week so far but I'm really hopeful that this will allow me to tolorate the medication
sonnig_tag
11 Aug 2015
Which probiotic do you use?
Realpro669
18 Aug 2015
I just happened upon Enz Y Matic Probiotic pearls (High Potency) with 5 Million active cultures. Its the one in the blue box. About $16.00 at Wal Mart. I tried ultimate flora and found my symtoms returned. So I went right back to The pearls and they have been very helpful and I'm able to tolorate the Metformin. I take 1500 MG per day. 500 with and afternoon or morning meal and 1000MG after dinner or before bedtime and so far so good. Funny thing I never knew much about probiotics but since my success I suggested them to a non metformin friend who had digestive issues and she has improved, and believe it or not my dog was having gas and occasional loose stool I purchased pet probiotics and the dogs issues improved as well. I had checked with my dogs vet and he said sure give it a try and for several months now she's been much better.
sonnig_tag
18 Aug 2015
What time of day do you take the pearls?
Realpro669
18 Aug 2015
I take one first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. That seems to work best.
sonnig_tag
18 Aug 2015
Thanks so much- very helpful!
Realpro669
18 Aug 2015
You're welcome. I really hope it works out for you. I know how difficult it can be to for some of us with Metformin. I was at the point I had told my doctor I may not be able to keep taking them. I found relief came very fast also. Perhaps within about 48 hours of starting the probiotics.
sonnig_tag
18 Aug 2015
Awesome. I have tried several. Didn't actually know there existed a probiotic that would curb the diarrhea. I just bought a new brand (new to me), literally one of several choices at Costco (Nature's Bounty, Probiotic 10, 20 billion live cultures). I started taking them yesterday but so far no change in my gut. I take 1000 mg Metformin 2xday.
Realpro669
22 Dec 2015
As a result of reading on here others experience. I have added metamucil to my diet so far just once a day. I have seen improvement although not complete but better than it had been. Interesting studies going on about Metformin actually may increase life span.
Hateusernames
4 June 2018
I was fine taking normal metformin but always forgot the morning dose as I don’t eat breakfast. So I was switched to slow release; more compliant now as I take them after dinner. BUT the rushing to the loo is driving me crazy and interferes with my work as a nurse. Even happens at night. Drinking loads more too as I get dehydrated.
WaningGibbous
28 Jan 2015
I've taken Metformin for years and have battled diarrhea for years from it. What works best for me is Metamucil. I take 4 teaspoons a day. Something about the added fiber stops the diarrhea, for me anyway. Start out slowly (1 teaspoon a day) and build up. Too much fiber too quickly can cause stomach / abdominal pain.
Always take the Metformin right after a meal. A meal, not a snack. 50 -100 calories + a Metformin = diarrhea.
marykbrady
1 Oct 2015
I took Metformin for 5 years. I had 5 episodes of watery diarrhea every day. After 5 yrs I got the intestinal flu and it took me 8 hours to determine that I was ill. Went off Metformin for 5 weeks, checked my sugar twice daily and discovered that the drug did not help me. Can you imagine how dehydrated I was? I'm glad to be off of it. There are plenty of drugs doctors can give you in it's place.
WaningGibbous
1 Oct 2015
Recently I've started taking Metformin ER which is the extended release version of Metformin. And so far it's much much better than regular Metformin. So if you're having trouble with diarrhea and regular Metformin go to your doctor and have him or her change you over to the extended release and try that.
PianoMom
3 Aug 2016
I second the idea of taking Metamucil. It provides instant relief for me.
BlackWidow113
28 Oct 2018
That’s an idea because it’s horrible I drive a bus and this not helping as I type this from the toilet
sharonwilliams
7 July 2013
Yes it will stop, in one to two weeks after taking them. Your body has to adjust to ur mets. I did the same, metformins have different side affects, and thats the one ur body chose, as well as mines. It will stop, but when ever u go periods of time without taking ur meds u will go through the side affects each time u start them over.
luvzcatz
22 Oct 2015
It sure hasn't stopped for me. I've been on metformin for a few years now and live every day close to the bathroom. I even stopped taking the second pill for awhile which did help, but then my sugar starting climbing again. So just because it stopped for you (you're lucky) doesn't mean it will for everyone else.
nannylaptop
26 Nov 2015
I've been on it for a year now. Was switched to slow release type last Feb. still got very bad diarrhoea most days. Had dose reduced from 2000mg to 1500mg daily... still no better.
I'm a Priest in the C/E so it seriously impairs my capability. I have to cut out doses if I have a funeral to do and dose myself up with loperamide... you can't be going out to the loo in the middle of a funeral. I cope best if I'm working from home or am certain there will be a toilet nearby. It really gets me down.
DianePatricia
1 Aug 2016
It did not stop for me. Taking it about a year now. Because of this, Doctor reduced my Metformin to half of a 500 mg tab twice a day and whole tab 5 mg of Glipizide twice a day (reverse of what I had been taking) about 5 months ago. Glipizide is tricky. I panicked once when I got a very hi reading 358 and took 2nd dose too soon, only 2 or 3 hours apart; 1 hr later bg was 58! I also decided to take an anti-diarrheal tablet (over the counter drug loperamide 2 mg) with the meds, which helps a lot, but I still have diarrhea nearly every day and several bms every day. Without the loperamide, it's much worse but I still feel I need to be close to a toilet for a while after I eat anything. Severe cramps without the loperamide; mild ones with it. I had gall bladder removed in November and I think it actually got worse after that. Going to discuss with doctor again at next checkup. I'm sure my A1C is going to b higher this time based on home testing, so I don't dare go off it. Catching a nearly 400 BG when you're on 2 meds is pretty scary.
Jnettix
3 Nov 2017
I too have diarrhea from Metforain 500 2x day. I used to wear a pad but now I just wear an adult diaper as my diarrhea is spontaneous and I feel more secure with that. It''s imbarassing to admit, but you gotta do what you gotta do and don't worry what anyone else says.
Honey5168
27 May 2018
I've taken BOTH types of Metformin. The regular was absolute hell within a few days. I thought the nausea, bloating, belching AND diarrhea would go away as my body adjusted. NO! After nearly 3 mos, same miserable symptoms. Switched to the slow release form. No! 7 wks in, same problems. It's not worth it to me to be this miserable AND have diarrhea onset almost without notice. (I ride a bus everywhere.) And, my A1C WAS 8.4 THIS TIME. IT WAS 8.0 4 MOS AGO. I do not see the value. My doctor is displeased I want to discontinue, but HEY!! I'M THE ONE WHO'S MISERABLE. MY CHOICE. INSULIN WORKS, JUST A PAIN.
Gissell
30 June 2018
For those who find it hard with metformin, I accidentally tried probiotic called ultra flora IB by meta genius. Can now go into mall, walk or anywhere without looking for bathroom. Works for me, good luck!
Smiley22
27 Feb 2013
I take metformin ER 750mgs 2x aday and it stop my diarrhea, It's worth asking your Doctor about.
Cleveland123
12 May 2018
Because er metformin DOES NOT DISSOLVE!!! I kept finding the whole pill in the toilet. And no its not the shell it is the whole pill with powder inside it because I fished it out and examined it. No wonder we can't get a handle on diabetes.
MissRaeLuv
19 Aug 2018
So that’s what that is??? It’s I take 2 750mg after dinner. The next morning I’m SUPER nauseas and I run to the toilet 3-4x between 7am and 9am... I also find yellow shaped “pill like” pods and I squeeze (TMI SO WHAT) and It’s powdery inside.
I’ve been on these pills since June starting with 1pill daily and In July I was upped to two a day and that’s when I started seeing them.
I don’t have diabetes nor do I have pcos. Dr said it would help prevent miscarriage since I’ve had 2 back to back...
I’m nauseas every day all day and I don’t know what to do at this point...
vgunderson1
26 Feb 2013
I take 2 Tbsp. of Pepto-Bismal when my Metformin or my Seroquel XR causes diarrhea which is about 3 times a week. It goes away for a short time but you have to keep taking it.
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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