{"id":634406,"date":"2025-12-09T09:30:04","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T14:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634406"},"modified":"2025-11-21T14:14:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T19:14:49","slug":"does-metformin-cause-constipation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-metformin-cause-constipation\/","title":{"rendered":"Does metformin cause constipation?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you take <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for Type 2 diabetes, you\u2019re not alone. It\u2019s one of the most commonly prescribed and most effective medications for managing blood sugar levels. While it\u2019s generally well tolerated, it can sometimes affect your digestive system. If you\u2019re noticing constipation or other gastrointestinal issues and wondering whether metformin might be the culprit, here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"can-metformin-cause-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can metformin cause constipation?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metformin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/biguanides\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">biguanide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medication used as a first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes. It reduces the liver\u2019s glucose production, decreases intestinal glucose absorption, and improves insulin sensitivity. Beyond blood sugar control, research shows that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK518983\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also support cardiovascular health. It\u2019s prescribed off-label (a non-FDA-approved use) for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or antipsychotic-related weight gain. It\u2019s available in several brand-name and combination forms, including Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/riomet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Riomet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/janumet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Janumet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (metformin and sitagliptin), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/synjardy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Synjardy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (metformin and empagliflozin), and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/jentadueto-xr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jentadueto<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (metformin and linagliptin).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like many medications, metformin can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Studies suggest it may alter <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7555986\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gut microbiota<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which may explain why many patients report digestive symptoms. In a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/endocrinology\/articles\/10.3389\/fendo.2022.975912\/full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meta-analysis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of 71 randomized controlled trials, up to 20% of people taking metformin reported GI side effects. Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8061542\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests the rate may be much higher\u2014potentially up to 75%.\u00a0 GI side effects are more common with immediate-release versions compared to extended-release formulations.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Metformin with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tMetformin 500 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-kroger.svg\" alt=\"Kroger Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$5.32<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-harristeeter.svg\" alt=\"Harris Teeter Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$5.32<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Metformin prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/constipation\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354253\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs of constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infrequent bowel movements (fewer than three per week)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Straining or abdominal pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hard or lumpy stools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A feeling of incomplete evacuation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A sensation of blockage in the rectum<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, when it comes to metformin, constipation is actually <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">less<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> common than other GI symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhile metformin is a common source of gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, the good news is it is much less likely to be associated with constipation,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nyulangone.org\/doctors\/1669632196\/rachel-pessah-pollack\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rachel Pessah-Pollack<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, an endocrinologist and clinical professor at NYU Langone Health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-does-metformin-cause-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why does metformin cause constipation?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0753332223009939\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is already common among people with diabetes, due in part to changes in nerve function. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S016882272300668X\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows it is one of the most frequently reported lower-GI symptoms in individuals with diabetes. Damage to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S016882272300668X\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">autonomic and enteric nervous systems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (often related to long-term high blood sugar) can slow intestinal motility and contribute to constipation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications can add another layer to the problem. \u201cMetformin is more known for causing diarrhea, but like many medications, including other diabetes medications like Ozempic, some patients experience constipation with metformin,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mdmercy.com\/find-a-doctor\/bryan-curtin-md\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bryan Curtin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, a gastroenterologist and director of The Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Mobility in Baltimore, Maryland.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the mechanism isn\u2019t fully understood. \u201cSome theories discuss effects on gut motility, balance of bile acids in the GI tract or possibly the gut microbiome, but these are all theories,\u201d Dr. Curtin adds. These factors may also contribute to or exacerbate constipation:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dehydration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A lack of adequate fluid intake is strongly linked to constipation. One <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12889-025-21346-x\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> noted that higher dietary moisture intake is associated with a lower risk of constipation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dietary choices: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low fiber intake is a major contributor to sluggish, constipated bowels. Fiber supports <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-gut-health\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gut motility<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, improves blood sugar control, increases insulin sensitivity, and benefits cardiovascular and metabolic health.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lifestyle habits: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited physical activity makes constipation worse, especially in people already predisposed due to diabetes. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/diseases-and-conditions\/common-causes-of-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> helps strengthen muscles involved in defecation and supports overall gut movement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other medications: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several drugs are known to cause constipation, including antidepressants, anticholinergics, calcium-channel blockers, antispasmodics, sedatives, anticonvulsants, and aluminum-containing antacids.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"managing-constipation-while-taking-metformin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing constipation while taking metformin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re noticing symptoms of constipation while on metformin, several simple strategies may help you feel better and restore regularity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"increase-your-fiber-intake-gradually\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase your fiber intake gradually<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/healthy-eating\/fiber-helps-diabetes.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fiber-rich diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is recommended for diabetes care, and it can also help ease constipation. Try adding more legumes, whole grains, and non-starchy vegetables to your meals. Just increase slowly: the CDC advises increasing fiber intake gradually to avoid worsening constipation or triggering bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"watch-out-for-certain-foods-and-supplements\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch out for certain foods and supplements<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dairy products, such as cheese and milk, can be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4059-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipating<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when consumed in large amounts. Certain supplements, especially iron and calcium, may also slow down digestion. If you&#8217;re unsure whether a supplement is necessary, check in with your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"stay-hydrated\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay hydrated<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dehydration is a common cause of constipation. Aim to drink adequate fluids throughout the day and consider adding foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries. Try not to drink alcohol or other dehydrating beverages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our diabetes newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Diabetes Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"get-moving\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get moving<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular movement supports healthy digestion. Some studies suggest that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30843436\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aerobic exercise<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in particular, may help relieve constipation. Even moderate activities like brisk walking can make a difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"try-over-the-counter-remedies\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try over-the-counter remedies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If lifestyle changes aren\u2019t enough, an OTC laxative may help. \u201cIf these are ineffective, they can use Miralax over the counter,\u201d says Dr. Curtin. Always seek medical advice for persistent symptoms or if you are considering new medications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-to-talk-to-your-healthcare-provider-about-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to talk to your healthcare provider about constipation<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild or occasional constipation often improves with simple lifestyle adjustments. However, if your symptoms worsen or become persistent or you have blood in your stool, it\u2019s important to reach out to your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIf your constipation is associated with other symptoms, such as vomiting, stomach pain, or dehydration, this requires urgent medical attention and further evaluation,\u201d Dr. Pessah-Pollack says. \u201cConstipation that continues or becomes more severe despite diet modifications and hydration requires a visit with their doctor for further evaluation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although uncommon, metformin can also lead to more serious complications, such as increased risk of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000391.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lactic acidosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. Symptoms may include extreme fatigue, weakness, or lightheadedness. If you experience these signs, contact a healthcare professional right away. Fatigue may also indicate anemia or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/vitamin-b-12\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamin B12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> deficiency, another possible issue in long-term metformin users, so evaluation is important.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metformin is a well-established, inexpensive, effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes and offers several additional health benefits. For most people, it causes few or no side effects. However, if you\u2019re experiencing constipation or other digestive symptoms you believe may be related to metformin, let your healthcare provider know. They can help identify the cause, recommend strategies to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-time-to-take-metformin\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mitigate side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of metformin, or discuss whether a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/signs-metformin-is-not-working\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">different treatment approach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> might be more suitable.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you take metformin for Type 2 diabetes, you\u2019re not alone. It\u2019s one of the most commonly prescribed and most effective medications for managing blood sugar levels. While it\u2019s generally well tolerated, it can sometimes affect your digestive system. If you\u2019re noticing constipation or other gastrointestinal issues and wondering whether metformin might be the culprit, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":634413,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[20947,10298,12752,8905],"coauthors":[9482],"class_list":["post-634406","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-constipation","tag-diabetes","tag-medication-side-effects","tag-seasonal","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Does metformin cause constipation? 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