What serious condition should be monitored for when administering Metformin?

Lactic acidosis is a serious condition that needs to be monitored for when administering Metformin. This medication, primarily used in the management of type 2 diabetes, can lead to the accumulation of lactic acid in the bloodstream, especially in patients who possess risk factors such as renal impairment, dehydration, or concomitant use of other medications that can affect kidney function.

Metformin is primarily excreted through the kidneys; therefore, if kidney function declines, there is a risk of Metformin accumulation, which can precipitate lactic acidosis, a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by an increase in lactate levels and a decrease in blood pH. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include muscle pain, abdominal discomfort, and breathing difficulties, underlining the importance of monitoring for this condition in patients receiving Metformin therapy, particularly those with compromised renal function.

The other conditions, while they may be associated in some contexts, do not directly relate to the pharmacodynamics of Metformin in the same way as lactic acidosis does. For instance, while hypoglycemia can occur, it is less common with Metformin alone compared to other diabetes medications, and myocardial infarction risk is generally not elevated directly by Metformin. Therefore, the