Glucodown Tablet 250 Milligrams (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dosage

The dosage should be determined based on individual drug efficacy and tolerability, and should not exceed the recommended maximum daily dose. Start with a low dose, administered 2 to 3 times daily, 500 mg with meals. The dose should be gradually increased by 500 mg each week, and when prescribing up to 2000 mg, it is usually divided into 2 doses in the morning and evening. If exceeding 2000 mg, it should be administered 3 times a day.

Children's dosage

For children aged 10 years and older or growing teenagers, administer 500 mg once daily during or after a meal. Measure blood sugar levels after one week to adjust the dosage. The maximum daily dose is 2000 mg.

This medication may cause severe lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia; therefore, caution is needed. It should not be administered to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, dehydration, serious infections, cardiovascular collapse, acute myocardial infarction, sepsis, or other acute conditions. Patients with acute and unstable heart failure should also avoid this medication, and it should be temporarily discontinued before and after tests using iodine-based contrast agents. Patients who have previously had an allergic reaction to this medication or to biguanide drugs, as well as those with type 1 diabetes or acute metabolic acidosis, should not use this medication. Patients with severe infections, severe traumatic systemic disorders, or those scheduled for surgery (especially when food or fluid intake is restricted) should also temporarily discontinue this medication. Patients with poor nutritional status, liver dysfunction, lung dysfunction, or excessive alcohol intake require caution. During treatment with this medication, irregular meals, intense exercise, or the use of interacting medications may pose a risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia, so careful administration is advised. Lactic acidosis is a rare but very serious side effect; if symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, weakness, or abdominal pain occur, immediate medical attention should be sought. Gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are common, and symptoms may be alleviated by gradually increasing the dose or taking it with meals initially. Hypoglycemia is rare with monotherapy, but caution is required when taken with other hypoglycemic agents or alcohol. Regular monitoring of renal function is necessary to prevent the accumulation of this medication and to adjust the dose if needed. During pregnancy, since this medication crosses the placenta, it should be avoided if there is a risk of placental insufficiency or preeclampsia, and fetal growth should be closely monitored. During breastfeeding, since this medication is secreted in breast milk, a careful decision should be made whether to continue breastfeeding or to discontinue the medication. Elderly patients often have impaired renal function and should start at the lowest dose while frequently monitoring renal function. Some interactions may occur with this medication and other medications, so patients taking other medications should consult with healthcare professionals. In case of overdose, blood dialysis can remove the drug, so immediate emergency treatment is required if overdose is suspected. This medication helps to control blood sugar without causing weight gain, making it favorable for patients who need weight management. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and ensure it is not transferred to another container.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis (including muscle pain, difficulty breathing, weakness, abdominal pain, hypothermia, hypotension, resistant bradyarrhythmia), severe swelling, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions (hives, severe swelling), severe skin adverse reactions (severe rash with fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in oral/ocular mucous membranes), liver abnormalities (jaundice of the skin or eyes, systemic lethargy), serious neurological symptoms (severe headache, seizures,

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, severe delayed hypoglycemia

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to prevent exposure to air or moisture. It is also recommended to store it at room temperature between 1 degree and 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

White round film-coated tablets

Package unit

500 tablets/bottle