Glucodown Tablet 500mg (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

The dosage should be determined based on individual drug effectiveness and tolerance, and should not exceed the recommended maximum daily dose. This medication should be started at a low dose to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and to confirm the minimum effective dose, administered with meals 2 to 3 times a day at 500 mg per dose. The dosage can be gradually increased by 500 mg weekly, and when dosing up to 2000 mg, it is typically given in two divided doses in the morning and evening. If exceeding 2000 mg, it should be taken in three doses with meals, and the maximum daily dose can be 2550 mg. During initiation of medication and dosage adjustments, fasting blood sugar levels should be monitored to assess the treatment response and to confirm the minimum effective dose. The glycosylated hemoglobin levels should be measured approximately every three months. The treatment goal for this medication is to decrease fasting blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin levels to normal or near-normal levels with minimum effective doses, whether used as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylureas or insulin. Generally, for patients who were previously able to control their blood sugar levels only with diet, sufficient effect can be achieved with a short-term treatment using this medication when blood sugar control temporarily fails.

Child dose

It can be used for children aged 10 and older or adolescents in growth. The usual starting dose is 500 mg once daily, taken during or after a meal. Blood sugar levels should be measured after a week to adjust the dosage.

This medication can cause severe lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia, requiring caution. It should not be administered to patients with moderately impaired kidney function or in acute conditions affecting kidney function such as dehydration, severe infections, or acute myocardial infarction. Patients with acute or unstable heart failure should also not use this medication. The medication must be discontinued before examinations using iodine contrast and can only be resumed after confirming normal kidney function post-examination. It is not suitable for patients with hypersensitivity to this drug or biguanides, Type 1 diabetes patients, or those with metabolic acidosis. Patients with severe infections or severe traumatic systemic disorders should temporarily stop this medication, and it should be discontinued 48 hours prior to surgery and only resumed after returning to normal kidney function. Caution is also required for patients with liver dysfunction, pulmonary embolism, severe lung impairment, and excessive alcohol consumption. This medication can frequently cause gastrointestinal side effects, and to reduce these side effects, it is advisable to take it with meals at the beginning of treatment or gradually increase the dosage. Lactic acidosis is a very rare but serious side effect, and if symptoms appear, the medication should be stopped immediately, and medical consultation should be sought. Kidney function should be regularly monitored before and during treatment, and if kidney function deteriorates, the medication should be discontinued. The risk of hypoglycemia may increase when this medication is combined with other hypoglycemic agents, so careful monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary. Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, so excessive drinking should be avoided. Its use during pregnancy should be based on a doctor's judgment, along with necessary monitoring of fetal growth. The use of this medication while breastfeeding is not recommended, and careful consideration should be given to whether to continue breastfeeding or discontinue medication. Elderly patients are at higher risk of decreased kidney function, making dose adjustment and regular kidney function monitoring important. In the case of an overdose, blood dialysis can be used to remove the medication, and immediate medical attention is required. During treatment with this medication, regular checks of blood sugar, kidney function, and hematological values are recommended, and vitamin B12 deficiency should also be evaluated. Additionally, patients and caregivers should be thoroughly informed about the risks and symptoms of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia, and instructed to seek immediate medical consultation upon symptom onset.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis (fatigue, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, weakness, abdominal pain, low body temperature, low blood pressure, resistant bradyarrhythmia), severe lactic acidosis, severe hypoglycemia, severe skin reactions (severe rashes, blisters, skin peeling, mucosal pain in mouth/eyes), severe edema, urination abnormalities, liver abnormalities (yellowing of skin or eyes), respiratory problems (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, cough+fever with respiratory abnormalities), serious

Mild side effects

Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation, abdominal pain), metallic taste, rash, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, vitamin B12 deficiency, liver function abnormalities, hypoglycemia

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to protect it from air and moisture. Furthermore, it is best kept at room temperature between 1 degree and 30 degrees. Proper storage can help maintain the effectiveness of the medication for a long time.

Appearance

White round film-coated tablet

Package unit

500 tablets/bottle