Gluem Sustained Release Tablet (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

The typical initial dose is 500mg of Metformin Hydrochloride sustained release tablet once a day with dinner. Blood sugar levels should be measured after one week to adjust the dose. When increasing the dose, it should be raised by 500mg each week, with a maximum of 2000mg taken with dinner. If blood sugar levels are not controlled with the maximum of 2000mg once daily, consider taking 1000mg twice daily.

This medication may rarely cause a serious condition known as lactic acidosis, which requires utmost caution. Lactic acidosis is a dangerous condition caused by excessive accumulation of lactic acid in the body, potentially leading to death if untreated. Additionally, when used with insulin or sulfonylureas, severe hypoglycemia may occur, thus careful monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary. Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, dehydration, severe infection, or cardiovascular diseases should not use this medication. Specifically, it is contraindicated in patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction, shock, or sepsis. This medication must be temporarily discontinued before and after examinations using iodine-containing radiological contrast agents, and can only be resumed after ensuring normal renal function post-examination. Those with hypersensitivity to this medication, type 1 diabetes, ketoacidosis, serious infections, or acute or unstable heart failure should not use this drug. Patients with very poor nutritional status, adrenal insufficiency, liver dysfunction, or excessive alcohol consumption should also exercise caution when using this medication. While receiving treatment with this drug, renal function should be regularly monitored, especially in older adults or patients with decreased renal function, who should be checked more frequently. Gastrointestinal disturbances can occur commonly; initially, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may arise, but usually improve over time. However, caution is necessary if severe diarrhea or vomiting persists due to the risk of dehydration. During the use of this medication, excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided, as alcohol intake can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. During pregnancy, the growth condition of the fetus should be closely monitored, and this medication is not recommended in cases of placental insufficiency or preeclampsia. Breastfeeding women should consult with a doctor regarding whether to continue breastfeeding or discontinue the medication since it is secreted in breast milk. This medication has not been established as safe and effective in children, thus it is not recommended for individuals under 17 years of age. In case of overdose, hypoglycemia is rare, but there is a risk of lactic acidosis; thus, immediate medical attention is required, and treatments like blood dialysis may be necessary. This medication may interact with various other drugs, hence if other medications are being taken, it's essential to inform the doctor or pharmacist, particularly when co-administering with drugs that may affect renal function. Lastly, this medication should not be chewed or crushed and should be swallowed whole; it is normal for the tablet shell to pass in the stool.

Serious side effects

• Lactic acidosis
• urticaria
• severe swelling (edema)
• severe allergic reactions
• serious skin reactions
• respiratory issues
• liver abnormalities (jaundice)
• serious neurological symptoms
• severe edema
• or urination abnormalities

Mild side effects

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• taste disturbance
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• erythema
• itching
• urticaria

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to protect it from air and moisture. Additionally, it should be kept at room temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. Storing it this way will help maintain the effectiveness of the medication for a longer period.

Appearance

White, double-convex, rectangular sustained release tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 300 tablets/bottle