Glucophage 50 tablets

Indication

Metformin is a biguanide antidiabetic agent used as first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. It reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

• Metformin hydrochloride 500 mg or 850 mg (standard Glucophage tablets)

Direction

Adults: Start with 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily with meals; increase gradually to a usual maintenance dose of 1500–2000 mg daily in divided doses. Maximum dose is 3000 mg per day. Take with or after food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Side effects

• Nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• and abdominal discomfort (very common
• especially at initiation).
• Metallic taste in the mouth.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency (with long
• term use).
• Lactic acidosis (very rare but serious).

Precautions

• Contraindicated in patients with renal impairment (eGFR below 30 ml/min)
• hepatic failure
• or conditions predisposing to lactic acidosis.
• Temporarily discontinue before iodinated contrast media procedures and restart 48 hours after if renal function is normal.
• Risk of lactic acidosis (rare but serious)
• monitor for symptoms of muscle pain
• weakness
• and breathing difficulty.
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
• Contraindicated in pregnancy (consult physician for alternative).
• May cause vitamin B12 deficiency with long
• term use
• periodic monitoring recommended.