Glucophage 250mg (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

The dosing is determined individually based on drug effect and tolerability, ensuring not to exceed the recommended maximum daily dose. Start with a low dose, taking 500mg 2–3 times a day with meals. The dose can be gradually increased by 500mg weekly, and typically, for dosing up to 2000mg, it is split into two doses for morning and evening. If the dose exceeds 2000mg, it should be divided into three doses with meals.

Child dose

For children aged 10 and older or adolescents, administer 500mg once daily during or after a meal. Measure blood sugar levels after one week to adjust the dosage, with a maximum daily dose of 2000mg.

This medication can cause severe lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia, so caution is required during use. It should not be administered to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, those who are dehydrated or have serious infections, cardiovascular collapse, acute myocardial infarction, sepsis, or other acute conditions that can affect renal function. It is also contraindicated in patients with acute or unstable heart failure, those scheduled to receive iodinated contrast agents, those with allergies to this medication or similar medications, type 1 diabetes patients, and patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. Patients with severe infections or severe traumatic systemic disorders should temporarily discontinue drug therapy and can resume it once their condition improves. Administration should be stopped 48 hours prior to surgery and treatment should be resumed after renal function has been confirmed to be normal. Caution is required when this medication is administered to patients with malnutrition, starvation, frailty, liver dysfunction, pneumonitis, or severe respiratory dysfunction. Gastrointestinal side effects can commonly occur with this medication; starting with a meal or gradually increasing the dosage may help reduce side effects. Lactic acidosis, while rare, is a serious side effect; symptoms such as fatigue, myalgia, dyspnea, or abdominal pain should be reported to medical personnel immediately. Since this medication is primarily excreted through the kidneys, renal function should be regularly monitored and dosage adjustments or discontinuation may be necessary in cases of decreased renal function. Alcohol intake should be avoided as it may increase the risk of side effects from this medication. When used in combination with other medications that can affect blood sugar control, careful monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary, especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas as the risk of hypoglycemia may increase. During pregnancy, as this medication can cross the placenta, its use should be discussed with a physician if necessary, and caution is also required during breastfeeding due to unknown effects on newborns. Elderly patients commonly have decreased renal function, thus dosage should be carefully adjusted and renal function should be regularly monitored. In the case of overdose, emergency treatment is needed as the drug can be removed via hemodialysis. This medication does not cause weight gain, which may help with weight management; however, caution is needed when used in children or adolescents. Finally, keep this medication out of reach of children and avoid transferring it to another container.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis (increased lactate levels, decreased blood pH, decreased body temperature, hypotension, resistant bradyarrhythmias, fatigue, myalgia, dyspnea, weakness, abdominal pain), severe allergic reactions (urticaria, severe swelling), severe skin reactions (severe rash, blisters, skin peeling, mucosal pain), respiratory problems (difficulty breathing, asthmatic attacks, cough and fever accompanying respiratory abnormalities), liver abnormalities (jaundice of the skin or eyes.

Mild side effects

Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal pain), unpleasant or metallic taste, rash, rarely anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, vitamin B12 deficiency, abnormal liver function, and rarely severe delayed hypoglycemia.

This medication is prone to influence from air or moisture, so it must be stored in a tightly closed container. It is important to maintain the storage temperature between 1 degree and 30 degrees Celsius. Proper storage ensures the medication's effectiveness is preserved.

Appearance

White, round, film-coated tablet imprinted with the letter 'M' on one side and the number '250' on the other side.

Package unit

90 tablets (15 tablets/PTPX6), 500 tablets/bottle