Metrenin Tablet (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

The dosage should be determined based on individual drug effectiveness and tolerance, and it should not exceed the recommended maximum daily dose. This medication should start at a low dose to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and to determine the minimum effective dose needed for proper blood sugar control, administered 500mg 2-3 times a day with meals. Dosage can be gradually increased by 500mg weekly, and if taking 2000mg, it is typically administered twice daily in the morning and evening. Doses exceeding 2000mg should be divided into three doses taken with meals, with a maximum daily dose of 2550mg. Blood glucose should be measured in the fasting state to assess treatment response and to verify the minimum effective dose when starting therapy and making dosage adjustments. The HbA1c concentration should be measured approximately every three months. The treatment goal of this medication is to reduce fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels to normal or near normal levels when used alone or in combination with sulfonylureas or insulin, at the minimum effective dose. In general, if a patient's blood sugar controlled only with diet becomes temporarily uncontrollable, short-term use of this medication can also achieve sufficient efficacy. Pediatric and adolescent patients can use this medication starting from over 10 years old. The typical starting dose for these patients is 500 milligrams once daily, taken during or after meals. Blood sugar levels should be measured one week later to adjust the dosage. Gastrointestinal side effects may improve with gradual dosage increases. The maximum daily dose is 2000mg and should be divided into 2~3 doses.

Child dose

The typical starting dose for children over 10 years old or adolescents is 500 milligrams once daily, taken during or after meals. Blood sugar levels should be measured one week later to adjust the dosage.

This medication can cause severe lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia, and should not be administered, especially to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or acute illnesses. This medication should not be used in patients with acute and unstable heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, severe infections, dehydration, or those who have had hypersensitivity reactions to this drug or similar drugs. This medication should be discontinued for a certain period before and after tests utilizing iodine contrast agents and can only be resumed after renal function has returned to normal. Pregnant women, or those with placental dysfunction, preeclampsia, or risk of intrauterine growth restriction should avoid using this drug, and if its use is unavoidable, the fetal condition should be closely monitored. This drug is excreted through the kidneys, so regular monitoring of renal function is necessary, and dosage adjustment or discontinuation is required if abnormalities are observed. During treatment, attention should be paid to irregular meals, excessive exercise, and interactions with other medications, especially limiting alcohol consumption. Lactic acidosis is a rare but very serious side effect. Symptoms such as malaise, muscle pain, dyspnea, and abdominal pain should be reported to a physician immediately. Gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may occur but are usually temporary; dosage adjustment may be necessary if symptoms are severe. This medication can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, so it is important to regularly check vitamin B12 levels during treatment. Elderly patients or those with impaired renal function should be particularly cautious, starting with the minimum dose and regularly monitoring renal function. In case of overdose, the drug can be removed through hemodialysis, so if overdose is suspected, the patient should visit a medical institution immediately. Lastly, while taking this medication, blood sugar control status, renal function, and hematological values should be checked regularly, and any abnormal symptoms should be consulted with medical staff immediately.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis, dehydration, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, sepsis, severe allergic reactions (including rash), liver abnormalities (liver function abnormalities, potential jaundice), severe edema, increase in blood pressure, symptoms related to hypoxemia, serious neurological symptoms (headache, seizures, confusion), hematological abnormalities (anemia, etc.), dyspnea, asthma attacks, acute renal failure.

Mild side effects

Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, anorexia, dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal pain), metallic taste, rash, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, vitamin B12 deficiency, liver function abnormalities, hypoglycemia (rarely severe delayed hypoglycemia), non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms.

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent exposure to air or moisture. It is also advised to avoid extreme temperatures, keeping the medication at a normal room temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

White round film-coated tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 300 tablets/bottle