Mepodine Tablet 500 mg (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dosage

The dosing should be determined based on the individual drug effect and tolerance, not exceeding the recommended maximum daily dose. To minimize gastrointestinal adverse reactions and determine the minimum effective dose for appropriate blood glucose control, this medication should be started at a low dose, taken 1-3 times daily, with 500 mg taken with meals. The dose can be gradually increased by 500 mg weekly, and when 2000 mg is prescribed, it is usually divided into two doses in the morning and evening. For doses exceeding 2000 mg, it is taken three times a day with meals, with a maximum daily dosage of 2550 mg. Before starting treatment and adjusting doses, fasting blood sugar should be measured to assess response to the medication and confirm the minimum effective dose. The blood levels of glycated hemoglobin should be measured approximately every three months. The treatment goal of this medication is to reduce fasting blood glucose and blood levels of glycated hemoglobin to normal or near-normal levels, whether given as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylureas or insulin at the minimum effective dose. Generally, if a patient whose blood sugar was previously controlled solely by diet temporarily experiences uncontrolled blood sugar, short-term use of this medication can be sufficient.

Children's dosage

Can be used in children 10 years and older. The usual starting dose 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, so caution is needed. It should not be administered to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, acute heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, serious infections, or conditions affecting renal function. Additionally, the medication should be temporarily discontinued before and after examinations using iodine-based contrast agents, and can be resumed once renal function has normalized. It should also not be given to patients with hypersensitivity to this drug or to those with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe infections, or severe traumatic systemic disorders. Discontinuation is required within 48 hours before surgery, and can be restarted only after confirming normal renal function post-surgery. Caution is also needed with malnutrition, weakness, liver dysfunction, lung dysfunction, and excessive alcohol consumption when using this medication. There is a risk of rare side effects such as lactic acidosis, with initial symptoms including fatigue, muscle pain, and shortness of breath; notify a healthcare professional immediately if abnormal symptoms occur. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common but mostly transient, and can be alleviated by gradually increasing the dose or taking it with food. Regular monitoring of renal function before and during treatment is necessary to reduce the risks of drug accumulation and lactic acidosis. Furthermore, the effectiveness of blood sugar control may change when taken with other hypoglycemic agents or certain medications, so consult with a physician. During pregnancy, as it can pass through the placenta, it should be used cautiously as needed, and should be avoided if there is a risk of fetal growth retardation. While breastfeeding, this medication is secreted in breast milk, so the need for treatment versus breastfeeding should be considered. Elderly patients are more likely to have reduced renal function, requiring dose adjustment and regular renal function tests. In case of overdose, the medication can be removed by hemodialysis, so immediate medical attention is necessary. It is important to avoid alcohol intake while taking this medication, and to regularly monitor blood glucose and blood tests to assess treatment effectiveness and possible side effects.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis (muscle pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, abdominal pain, decreased body temperature, hypotension, resistance bradyarrhythmias), severe allergic reactions (rash), liver abnormalities (including liver function abnormalities), severe edema, or urinary abnormalities (marked decrease in urine output, severe systemic edema), hypoglycemia (severe delayed hypoglycemia)

Mild side effects

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

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to prevent air exposure and is best kept at room temperature between 1 degree and 30 degrees Celsius. Proper storage will help maintain the effectiveness of the medication.

Appearance

White round film-coated tablet

Package unit

100 tablets/bottle, 500 tablets/bottle