Drug interactions
Bupropion + Metformin-pioglitazone
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Metformin-pioglitazone: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Bupropion may increase metformin exposure, which could heighten the risk of gastrointestinal effects and, rarely, lactic acidosis. The effect is generally modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Metformin-pioglitazone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Bupropion belongs to Central Nervous System; Metformin-pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Bupropion inhibits OCT2-mediated renal tubular secretion of metformin, reducing its clearance.
What to do
Monitor glycemic response and renal function, and consider a metformin dose reduction if adverse effects develop.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone
Other interactions of Bupropion
- Bupropion + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Metformin-pioglitazone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Bupropion may increase metformin exposure, which could heighten the risk of gastrointestinal effects and, rarely, lactic acidosis. The effect is generally modest.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor glycemic response and renal function, and consider a metformin dose reduction if adverse effects develop.
What other medicines interact with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin-pioglitazone page.
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