[Lactic acidosis after administration of guanidine derivatives (buformine, phenformine) (author's transl)]

Three patients are reported on, who at the time of admittance showed a decompensated metabolic acidosis, elevated concentrations of serum lactate and a reduced kidney funktion. All the patients had taken guanidine derivates (phenformine, buformine) because of diabetes mellitus. The serum biguanid concentrations, however, were elevated in only two cases. Therapy of the lactic acidosis has to be directed at the underlying disease. In biguanid incluced acidosis, haemodialysis with simultaneous administration of sodium bicarbonate is indicated.