Medication info

Metformin Tablet 500mg (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Prescription medicationTabletExpired
Ingredient · strength
Metformin Hydrochloride›500mg / 1 tablet
Manufacturer / importer
대우제약(주)
Appearance
[Domestic] White round film-coated tablet [Export] White round film-coated tablets
Packaging
Domestic - 100 tablets/bottle, Domestic - 500 tablets/bottle, Export - 10 tablets/pouch, Export - 10 pouches/box
Approval status
Expired

MFDS item code 200500678 · Approved 2005.06.30

This product's status changed to Expired on 2024.08.13. It may no longer be sold, so consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Summary

Main use
Improvement of Type 2 Diabetes (blood sugar control)
Who uses it
Adults · Children
Adult dosage
Dosing should be determined based on individual response to the medication and tolerance, without exceeding the maximum daily dose. Begin with a low dose, administering 500mg two to three times a day with meals. The dose may be gradually increased weekly by 500mg, up to a maximum of 2000mg, divided into two doses taken in the morning and evening. If the dose exceeds 2000mg, it should be divided into three doses taken with meals, up to a maximum of 2550mg.
Children's dosage
Children and adolescents over 10 years of age should take 500mg once daily during or after a meal. After one week, blood sugar levels should be measured to adjust the dosage, gradually increasing the dose.

Ingredients

Manufacturer
대우제약(주)

Efficacy & effects

Improvement of Type 2 Diabetes (blood sugar control)

  • Type 2 Diabetes
View approved original text

This medication is used for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes who have difficulty controlling blood sugar levels with diet and exercise alone. It is particularly effective for overweight adult patients and can be used alone or in combination with other oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. Additionally, it can be used in children over 10 years of age and adolescents in growth either as monotherapy or in combination with insulin, helping to manage blood sugar across various age groups. This medication significantly aids in the treatment of diabetes by improving blood sugar control.

Dosage and Administration

Adult dosage

Dosing should be determined based on individual response to the medication and tolerance, without exceeding the maximum daily dose. Begin with a low dose, administering 500mg two to three times a day with meals. The dose may be gradually increased weekly by 500mg, up to a maximum of 2000mg, divided into two doses taken in the morning and evening. If the dose exceeds 2000mg, it should be divided into three doses taken with meals, up to a maximum of 2550mg.

Children's dosage

Children and adolescents over 10 years of age should take 500mg once daily during or after a meal. After one week, blood sugar levels should be measured to adjust the dosage, gradually increasing the dose.

Precautions

This medication can cause severe lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia, and therefore should be used with caution. It should especially not be administered to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, dehydration, serious infections, or cardiovascular issues. Moreover, use should be discontinued in cases of acute heart failure or before and after procedures using radiologic contrast media containing iodine until renal function is confirmed normal. This medication is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to it, as well as in those with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. In cases of severe infections, trauma, or surgery, treatment should be paused for a certain period, and can be resumed only after renal function has been confirmed normal. Caution is also advised for patients with malnutrition, liver dysfunction, severe lung dysfunction, or excessive alcohol consumption. Hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis may occur due to irregular eating, intense exercise, or interactions with other medications during treatment. While lactic acidosis is rare, it is very dangerous, and if symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, respiratory distress, or abdominal pain appear, immediate medical attention should be sought. Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may commonly occur during initial treatment but are often temporary, alleviated by taking the medication with meals or adjusting the dose. As this medication is excreted through the kidneys, regular monitoring of renal function is necessary, and treatment should be discontinued if significant renal impairment occurs. Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects associated with this medication, so excessive drinking should be avoided during treatment. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency may occur, so regular blood tests are recommended. During pregnancy, it can cross the placenta and may affect fetal growth, thus requiring special caution for pregnant women, and its use is not recommended while breastfeeding. Elderly patients are at higher risk for decreased renal function, necessitating careful dose adjustment and regular renal function tests. In case of overdose, blood dialysis may be necessary, thus caution is warranted. Regular blood sugar and renal function tests, along with immediate consultation with medical personnel in case of any adverse symptoms, are important during treatment with this medication.

Side effects and when to seek care immediately

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis, severe allergic reactions (hives, severe swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor), severe skin reactions (severe rash with fever, blistering, skin peeling, mucous membrane pain in mouth/eyes), respiratory issues (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, cough with fever), liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, systemic fatigue), severe neurological symptoms (sudden onset

Mild side effects

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

Not everyone experiences these, and they can vary from person to person.

Storage

This medication may be sensitive to air and moisture, so it should be stored in a tightly sealed container. The storage temperature should be maintained at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. This helps preserve the efficacy of the medication and prevents degradation.

Appearance and packaging

Appearance

[Domestic] White round film-coated tablet [Export] White round film-coated tablets

Package unit

Domestic - 100 tablets/bottle, Domestic - 500 tablets/bottle, Export - 10 tablets/pouch, Export - 10 pouches/box

Same-ingredient medicines

Even with the same ingredient, strength, dosage form and how it is taken can differ.

Even with the same ingredient, the dose and directions can differ by strength and dosage form. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before switching from a medication you are already taking.

Questions about this medicine

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This drug information is based on data provided by the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist for accurate dosage, administration, and usage instructions.