Excessive plasma acidity due to an accumulation of lactic acid. This may be caused by a variety of illnesses, including heart failure or severe dehydration. It can also be caused by the accumulation of biquanide drugs used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly when kidney failure is present. Biguanides (see METFORMIN) should therefore not be used to treat patients who have established kidney disease or heart failure or who are dehydrated.

Unit 7,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p1757