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Suggest Treatment For Low BP And High Blood Sugar
Posted on
Wed, 31 Dec 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 31 Dec 2014
Answered on
Mon, 19 Jan 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Within 7-10 days my wife (67) has had both low blood pressure (90/60) and hi blood sugars (<150). Also, a 7-day bout of diarrhea which has expired; she is now back to sustenance but in a reduced intake. During this holiday season it has been difficult in seeing her Internist. Because of her anxiety she has contacted her endocrinologist who has made at least one change in her medication and dosage. As a side note, she has been taking extended metformin, 4 x 100mg/day; almost daily she will find at least one undissolved capsule in the toilet bowl each day. Before Xmas her internist recommended the liquid form of metformin while the endocrinologist was in disagreement, and the liquid was never purchased. Any thoughts while we are camped out waiting to hear from the endocrinologist?
Brief Answer:
Ghost particle of tablet
Detailed Answer:
Good day
Noted your concern. The low blood pressure could have been from diarrhoea itself. Most endocrinologists including myself do not exceed the dose of metformin beyond 2500 mg in a day.
Extended release metformin comes in specially coated tablet with 24 hour slow releasing technology. Hence it's a common thing to see the outside shell of the tablet in the toilet . It doesn't mean the tablet is unabsorbed. Only the outside shell is passed in the stool. This is also called as the ghost particle. I back the decision of your endocrinologist against using liquid form of metformin. Please leave the decision to your endocrinologist regarding diabetes management rather than internist.
Regards
Binu
Ghost particle of tablet
Detailed Answer:
Good day
Noted your concern. The low blood pressure could have been from diarrhoea itself. Most endocrinologists including myself do not exceed the dose of metformin beyond 2500 mg in a day.
Extended release metformin comes in specially coated tablet with 24 hour slow releasing technology. Hence it's a common thing to see the outside shell of the tablet in the toilet . It doesn't mean the tablet is unabsorbed. Only the outside shell is passed in the stool. This is also called as the ghost particle. I back the decision of your endocrinologist against using liquid form of metformin. Please leave the decision to your endocrinologist regarding diabetes management rather than internist.
Regards
Binu
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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