Metformin (Glycoheal 500) 500 mg tabletĀ is an antihyperglycemic agent used inĀ the treatment of diabetes. It helps in keeping your blood sugar in control.
Drug =Ā Metformin
Number of Pills Per Order =Ā 20
Strength = 500 mg
Manufacturer = Healing Pharma
How To Take
Swallow it whole. Take it together with food or immediately after a meal.
Metformin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take Metformin precisely as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Dosage
Adult: Treatment: As conventional tab/solution: Initial: 500 or 850 mg twice a day or three times a day, gradually increase at intervals of at least one week according to the response. Maximum of 3,000 mg/day in 3 divided doses. As extended-release tab: Initial: 500 mg/day with an evening meal, increase dose in increments of 500 mg up to a maximum of 2,000 mg/day according to the response.
Prophylaxis: As extended-release tab: Initial: 500 mg/day with an evening meal, gradually increase the dose at intervals of 10-15 days, according to the response. Maximum of 2,000 mg/day with an evening meal.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule. If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not double a dose under any circumstances.
OverdoseĀ
Signs of overdose may include the following:
- Hypoglycemia
- Lactic acidosis manifested as acidotic dyspnea
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle cramps
- Hypothermia followed by coma
Seek medical help immediately.
Contraindications
People with the following medical conditions should not take Metformin:
- Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis with or without coma
- Acute conditions may alter renal function (e.g., dehydration, severe infection, shock), acute or chronic disease-causing hypoxia (e.g., unstable cardiac or respiratory failure, recent MI, shock)
- Acute alcohol intoxication or alcoholism
- Severe renal (eGFR<30 mL/min) impairment
- Intravascular administration of iodinated contrast agents
Side Effects
MetforminĀ may have the following side effects:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Chest discomfort
- Palpitations
- Dyspnea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence
- Heartburn/dyspepsia
- Abdominal distention
- Abnormal stools
- Constipation
- Asthenia
- Flu-like symptoms
- Malaise
- Cholestatic
- Hepatocellular
- Mixed hepatocellular liver injury
- Myalgia
- Chills
- Taste disturbance
- Headache
- Increased somnolence
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Nail disease
- Rash
- Flushing
Potentially Fatal:
- Lactic acidosis
Warnings
Do not use Metformin in people with the following conditions:
- Heart disease or recent heart attack
- Metabolic acidosis
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- Severe kidney disease
- Excessive alcohol intake or alcohol addiction
- Radiology procedure involving the injection of a dye into the bloodstream
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- Insulin
- Verapamil
- Ranolazine
- Captopril
- Losartan
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Cimetidine
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and non-prescription medicines.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Metformin.
How Does It Work?
Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent that improves glucose tolerance by lowering glucose levels of both basal and postprandial plasma. It decreases the production of hepatic glucose by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, delaying the absorption of intestinal glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by enhancing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.
UsesĀ
MetforminĀ is used Ā to treat the following conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Special Precautions and Connected Warnings
Take special precautions if you have the following conditions:
- Patients with risk factors for lactic acidosis
- Stable heart failure
- Dehydration
- Prerenal azotemia
- Mild to moderate renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Children and the elderly
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Not indicated for use in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus or with diabetic ketoacidosis
- Avoid alcohol. It is essential to adhere to the diet prescribed by your doctor.
Storage Conditions
- Store below 30Ā°C. Protect from light and moisture.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Do not use Metformin that is expired or out of date.
