Glucophage XR 1000 mg Extended-Release Tablet (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

The usual initial dose is 500mg of Metformin Hydrochloride extended-release tablet once daily with the evening meal. After one week, measure blood sugar levels to adjust the dosage, which can be increased by 500mg weekly, up to a maximum of 2000mg taken with the evening meal. If blood sugar control remains difficult at 2000mg once daily, consideration may be given to dosing 1000mg twice daily, both taken with meals.

This medication can rarely cause a serious condition known as lactic acidosis, which can be life-threatening. Additionally, when taken with insulin or other diabetes medications, there may be a risk of severe hypoglycemia, so caution is advised. Patients with moderate or higher renal impairment, dehydration, serious infections, or cardiovascular issues should not use this medication. Patients in acute conditions such as acute myocardial infarction or septicemia should avoid administration. Before and after tests using radiopaque iodine contrast agents, this medication should be temporarily discontinued and should not be reinstated until renal function is confirmed to be normal. Patients with hypersensitivity to this medication or certain conditions such as type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe infections, liver dysfunction, heart failure, etc., are prohibited from use. If undergoing surgery with restricted food and fluid intake, this medication should be stopped 48 hours prior to surgery, and should be resumed only after renal function has returned to normal. Caution is required for patients with poor nutritional status, weight loss, liver dysfunction, or excessive alcohol consumption. Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur during treatment with this medication, so regular blood tests are recommended. Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) are common and usually occur early in treatment but improve over time. Since this medication is excreted through the kidneys, regular kidney function monitoring is necessary, and if abnormalities occur, discontinue use. In patients with high physical activity or irregular eating habits, the risk of hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis may increase when taking this medication with others. During pregnancy, this drug can cross the placenta, so fetal growth should be monitored closely and treatment stopped if necessary. This medication is secreted in breast milk during lactation, thus the need for treatment should be carefully considered based on breastfeeding status. Elderly patients have a higher likelihood of renal function decline and should have their dosage adjusted and undergo regular kidney function tests. In case of overdose, lactic acidosis risk exists; medical attention should be sought immediately for treatment such as hemodialysis. Alcohol consumption during treatment with this medication is discouraged as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. For proper blood sugar control, regular monitoring of blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin levels is essential, and any unusual symptoms should be reported to healthcare professionals promptly. This medication should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed; the tablet shell may be eliminated in stool, which is normal. Finally, there are several medications that may interact with this one, so be sure to inform healthcare personnel about any other medications being taken and to take them carefully.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis (severe metabolic adverse reaction), hives (severe allergic reaction), severe edema (generalized edema), hypoglycemia (potentially severe), dehydration, worsening heart function, acute kidney failure, liver dysfunction (risk of jaundice), acute myocardial infarction, shock, increased risk of lactic acidosis due to excessive alcohol consumption, elevated blood pressure, severe rashes and skin adverse reactions, respiratory distress, confusion, seizures, severe headache

Mild side effects

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• taste disturbance
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• erythema
• pruritus
• hives

This medication can be sensitive to air and moisture, so it should be stored in a tightly closed container. It is recommended to maintain a storage temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius at room temperature to safely preserve its efficacy.

Appearance

Extended-release tablets that are oval-shaped, biconvex, and white to off-white.

Package unit

60 tablets (10 tablets/ PTP packaging X 6)