Does Dichlorphenamide Interact with Metformin?
Dichlorphenamide and Metformin have a major drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that decreases serum bicarbonate and induces metabolic acidosis, increasing risk for lactic acidosis when used with metformin. The mechanism involves decreases serum bicarbonate and induces non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Major
- Dichlorphenamide Class
- Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Dichlorphenamide and Metformin occurs because decreases serum bicarbonate and induces non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Clinically, this means carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that decreases serum bicarbonate and induces metabolic acidosis, increasing risk for lactic acidosis when used with metformin. This is classified as a major interaction, meaning it could cause serious harm if not properly managed. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust dosages, substitute one medication, or increase monitoring frequency.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Dichlorphenamide and your doctor is considering prescribing Metformin (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider