Drug interactions
Bupropion + Metformin
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Metformin: 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 inhibit renal tubular transport of metformin through OCT2, which can raise metformin exposure modestly. This may increase glucose-lowering and, rarely, gastrointestinal effects or lactic acidosis risk in patients with renal impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Metformin 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 belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Inhibition of OCT2-mediated renal tubular secretion of metformin by bupropion.
What to do
Monitor glycemic control and renal function when bupropion is started or stopped, and adjust metformin dose if needed.
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 Bupropion
- Bupropion + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Other interactions of Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Metformin 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 inhibit renal tubular transport of metformin through OCT2, which can raise metformin exposure modestly. This may increase glucose-lowering and, rarely, gastrointestinal effects or lactic acidosis risk in patients with renal impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Metformin?
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 control and renal function when bupropion is started or stopped, and adjust metformin dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Bupropion?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bupropion with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Bupropion page.
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