Metformin Tablets (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

The administration dosage should be determined individually based on drug efficacy and tolerance, and should not exceed the recommended maximum daily dosage. The treatment should start at a low dose, administering 500mg 2-3 times daily with meals. Dosage increases should occur gradually each week by 500mg, and when administering up to 2000mg, the doses should be split into morning and evening doses. If the dosage exceeds 2000mg, it should be divided into 3 doses daily.

Child dose

Children over the age of 10 or adolescents in growth periods should take 500mg once daily during or after meals. After one week, blood sugar levels should be measured to adjust the dosage, with a maximum daily dosage of 2000mg.

This medication can cause severe lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia, thus caution is necessary. It should not be administered to patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, or patients in acute conditions such as dehydration, severe infections, heart failure, or acute myocardial infarction. Patients who are scheduled for tests using iodine-containing radiocontrast agents must temporarily discontinue this medication before and after the procedure, and it can only be resumed after renal function is confirmed to be normal. It should not be used in patients with allergies to this medication or similar drugs, Type 1 diabetes patients, or those with a history of lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis. In cases of severe infections, trauma, or surgeries, the administration of this medication should be temporarily halted and can be restarted after the patient's condition has recovered. Caution is also required for patients with poor nutritional status, liver dysfunction, lung dysfunction, or excessive alcohol consumption. Patients with irregular meals, reduced food intake, intense exercise, or other medications that may interact should be administered the drug with caution. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, which can often be reduced by gradually increasing the dosage at the start of treatment or taking it with meals. Lactic acidosis is a rare but very serious side effect; symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, difficulty in breathing, and abdominal pain should be reported to a doctor immediately. Kidney function should be regularly monitored to reduce the risk of accumulation and side effects, especially in the elderly or those with impaired kidney function. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects associated with this medication, so excessive drinking should be avoided during treatment. It is recommended to regularly check vitamin B12 levels while taking this medication, and appropriate measures should be taken if deficiency is found. During pregnancy, the impact on the fetus should be considered, and if necessary, insulin therapy should be used in conjunction or as an alternative, and this medication should be avoided in high-risk pregnancy states. If breastfeeding, caution should be taken as this medication can be excreted in breast milk, and a careful decision should be made about whether to continue breastfeeding or to discontinue drug treatment. This medication can interact with many other drugs, so patients should consult their doctor or pharmacist if they are taking other medications. In cases of overdose, blood dialysis may be necessary, so medical personnel should be informed immediately to receive proper treatment. Patients taking this medication should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and kidney function to continuously assess treatment effectiveness and side effects.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis, death due to severe lactic acidosis, low blood pressure and resistant bradyarrhythmias, potential for liver dysfunction (jaundice), severe skin reactions (including rashes), severe hypoglycemia, worsening kidney function (acute renal failure), severe edema with hypertension, cold sweat, pallor, difficulty in breathing, severe allergic reactions (including urticaria, severe swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing)

Mild side effects

Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation, abdominal pain), changes in taste (metallic taste), rash, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, vitamin B12 deficiency, liver dysfunction, hypoglycemia, macrocytic anemia

This medication may be sensitive to air and moisture; therefore, it should be stored in a tightly sealed container. It is best to maintain storage temperatures between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius at room temperature. Doing so will help preserve the medication's effectiveness for a longer duration.

Appearance

White oblong film-coated tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle, 1000 tablets/bottle