Glucophage 500 mg

Indication

- Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in overweight patients - Used when diet and exercise alone do not achieve adequate glycaemic control - May be used alone or combined with other antidiabetic agents or insulin

Ingredients

• Metformin hydrochloride 500 mg

Direction

Take orally with or after meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset. The usual starting dose is 500 mg once or twice daily, adjusted gradually according to blood glucose; follow the prescriber's instructions.

Side effects

• Nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite and metallic taste
• Vitamin B12 deficiency with long
• term use
• Lactic acidosis (rare but serious)

Precautions

• Contraindicated in moderate to severe renal impairment
• monitor kidney function
• Stop temporarily before surgery or iodinated contrast imaging due to lactic acidosis risk
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake
• Use with caution in elderly and in conditions causing hypoxia or dehydration