Metroject 500 mg (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

The administration dosage should be determined based on the individual's drug efficacy and tolerability, and it should not exceed the maximum recommended daily dosage. This medication should initially be administered at a low dose to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions and to determine the minimum dosage needed for adequate blood sugar control, with a regimen of 500 mg taken 2-3 times daily with meals. The dosage can be gradually increased by 500 mg each week, and at doses of 2000 mg, it is typically divided into two daily doses in the morning and evening. For doses exceeding 2000 mg, it should be taken 3 times daily with meals, with a maximum daily limit of 2550 mg. During treatment initiation and dosage adjustments, fasting blood sugar levels should be measured to assess the therapeutic response to this medication and to identify the minimum effective dose. Glycated hemoglobin levels should be checked approximately every 3 months. The treatment goal is to maintain fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin levels within or close to the normal range, either as monotherapy or in conjunction with sulfonylureas or insulin, at the minimum effective dose. Generally, if patients previously controlled their blood sugar with diet alone experience temporary loss of control, short-term use of this medication may provide sufficient effectiveness.

Child dose

This medication can be used in children aged 10 years and older or during growth spurts. The general starting dose is 500 mg once daily, administered during or after meals. Blood sugar levels should be checked after one week to adjust the dosage.

This medication can cause severe lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia, so caution is advised. It should not be administered to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or those in acute conditions such as severe infections or acute myocardial infarction. It is also contraindicated in patients with acute and unstable heart failure, those scheduled for radiographic procedures involving iodine contrast agents, and patients with a known allergy to this medication or biguanide drugs. Pregnant women at risk of placental insufficiency or preeclampsia should not use this medication. While undergoing treatment with this medication, irregular meals, intense exercise, or drug interactions can increase the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia, so careful use is required. Although rare, lactic acidosis is a serious side effect; symptoms such as muscle pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and abdominal pain should prompt immediate medical consultation. Since this medication is primarily excreted through the kidneys, kidney function should be regularly monitored, and the medication should be discontinued if renal function declines. Alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, so excessive consumption should be avoided. It is advisable to regularly check serum vitamin B12 levels as vitamin B12 deficiency may occur. The risk of hypoglycemia may increase when used in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, so blood sugar levels should be closely monitored during combination therapy. During pregnancy, it may be used if necessary for blood sugar control, but treatment should be discontinued if fetal growth retardation is confirmed. During lactation, since this medication is excreted in breast milk, careful consideration of breastfeeding and the need for treatment is necessary. The elderly may have a higher risk of renal impairment, so treatment should start at the minimum dose with frequent assessments of renal function. In cases of overdose, hemodialysis may be required, so immediate medical attention should be sought. This medication has the advantage of aiding blood sugar control without causing weight gain. Keep the medication out of reach of children and do not transfer it to other containers.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis (fatigue, muscle pain, shortness of breath, weakness, abdominal pain, hypothermia, hypotension, bradyarrhythmias), severe allergic reactions (hives, severe swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, paleness), severe skin adverse reactions (severe rash with fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain of oral/ocular mucosa), respiratory issues (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, cough with fever complications)

Mild side effects

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

This medication should be stored in an airtight, closed container, preferably at room temperature between 1°C and 30°C. Proper storage will help maintain the effectiveness of the medication for a longer period.

Appearance

White round film-coated tablet

Package unit

[Domestic] 300 tablets/bottle [Export] 100 tablets/bottle