Product Details
METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE 500 MG ( SR )
Introduction : Metformin 500mg tablet is used to treat high blood sugar levels that are caused by a type of diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes called type 2 diabetes.
With this type of diabetes, insulin produced by the pancreas is not able to get sugar into the cells of the body where it can work properly. Using metformin alone, with a type of oral antidiabetic medicine called a sulfonylurea, or with insulin, will help to lower blood sugar when it is too high and help restore the way you use food to make energy.
Many people can control type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise. Following a specially planned diet and exercise will always be important when you have diabetes, even when you are taking medicines. To work properly, the amount of metformin you take must be balanced against the amount and type of food you eat and the amount of exercise you do. If you change your diet or exercise, you will want to test your blood sugar to find out if it is too low. Your doctor will teach you what to do if this happens.
Metformin 500mg tablet does not help patients who have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes because they cannot produce insulin from their
pancreas gland. Their blood glucose is best controlled by insulin injections.
This medicine is available only with your doctors prescription.
Indication : Metformin 500mg tablet is an antidiabetic agent that manages high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. It reduces glucose absorption from the intestines, lowers liver glucose production, and improves insulin sensitivity. Metformin 500mg tablet is recommended with dietary changes and exercise for better results.
Managing blood sugar levels with medications like metformin can prevent complications such as kidney damage, nerve issues, blindness, amputations, and sexual dysfunction. Effective diabetes control can also lower the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
You may notice improvement in your blood glucose control in 1 to 2 weeks, but the full effect of blood glucose control may take up to 2 to 3 months. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about this.
Administration : Metformin 500mg tablet should be taken with meals to help reduce stomach or bowel side effects that may occur during the first few weeks of treatment.
Swallow the tablet or extended-release tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
While taking the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stool after your body has absorbed the medicine. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage : Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Mechanism of Action : Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent that improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose by decreasing hepatic glucose production and intestinal absorption, and improving insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. Metformin does not modify insulin secretion, though fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may decrease with treatment
Therapeutic : Anti Diabteic
Side Effects : Abdominal or stomach discomfort; cough or hoarseness; decreased appetite; diarrhea; fast or shallow breathing; fever or chills; general feeling of discomfort; lower back or side pain; muscle pain or cramping; painful or difficult urination; sleepiness
Contraindications : Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis including diabetic ketoacidosis
Severe renal impairment
Safety Advice / Warnings : Alcohol?Drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar. Discuss this with your health care team.
Other medicines?Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription medicines such as aspirin, and medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur if you do not take enough or skip a dose of your medicine, overeat or do not follow your meal plan, have a fever or infection, or do not exercise as much as usual. High blood sugar can be very serious and must be treated right away. It is important that you learn which symptoms you have in order to treat it quickly. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat high blood sugar.
Avoid use of this drug during pregnancy and prescribe an alternative. Evidence has demonstrated fetal abnormalities or risks when used during pregnancy. Advise women of childbearing potential of fetal risk.
References : Product Information: RIOMET ER(TM) oral extended-release suspension, metformin HCl oral extended-release suspension. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc (per FDA), Cranbury, NJ, 2019.
Product Information: GLUMETZA(R) oral extended-release tablets, metformin HCl oral extended-release tablets. Valeant Pharmaceuticals of North America (per FDA), Bridgewater, NJ, 2017.