Metopore 500 mg (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dosage

The dosage should be determined individually based on the drug's effectiveness and tolerability and should not exceed the recommended maximum dose of one day. This medication should be started at a low dose to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions and to determine the minimum dose required for adequate blood sugar control, and should be taken 500 mg with meals, 2 to 3 times per day. The dose may gradually increase by 500 mg weekly, up to 2000 mg, to be taken usually twice daily in the morning and evening. If the dosage exceeds 2000 mg, it can be divided into three daily doses taken with meals, with a maximum allowable dose of 2550 mg per day. When initiating treatment and adjusting the dosage, fasting blood sugar should be measured to determine the treatment response and identify the minimum effective dose. Blood glycated hemoglobin levels should be measured approximately every 3 months. The treatment goal of this medication is to reduce fasting blood sugar and blood glycated hemoglobin levels to normal or near-normal levels by administering either as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylureas or insulin at minimum effective doses. Generally, if a patient's blood sugar has been temporarily uncontrolled solely by dietary therapy, sufficient effect can also be obtained by a short-term administration of this medication. For children and growing adolescents, This medication can be used for children over 10 years of age or growing adolescents. The general starting dosage is 500 mg once daily, taken during or after meals. Blood sugar levels should be measured one week later to adjust the dosage. Gastrointestinal adverse reactions can improve with gradually increasing doses. The maximum daily dose is 2000 mg, and the prescribed amount should be divided into 2 to 3 doses.

Children's dosage

For children over 10 years of age or growing adolescents, the general starting dose is 500 mg once daily, taken during or after a meal. Blood sugar levels should be measured one week later to adjust the dosage.

This medication can cause severe lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia, so it must be used with extreme caution. It should not be used in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, acute infections, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, or any condition that may affect renal function. Additionally, this medication should be temporarily stopped before and after examinations using radiological iodine contrast agents, and can only be restarted after renal function is confirmed to be normal. Patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to this medication, patients with Type 1 diabetes, and those with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis should not be treated with this medication. This medication should also be stopped at least 48 hours prior to surgery, and can be resumed only after renal function has returned to normal post-surgery. Caution is needed when using this medication in patients with malnutrition, weakness, liver dysfunction, severe respiratory impairment, and excessive alcohol consumption. There is a rare but fatal risk of lactic acidosis with this medication, so patients should consult a doctor immediately if symptoms such as malaise, muscle pain, breathing difficulties, or abdominal pain occur. Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, etc.) may commonly occur, so it is recommended to gradually increase the dose initially or to take it with meals. Regular renal function tests should be performed, especially in the elderly or those with impaired renal function. Since the risk of lactic acidosis increases when taken with alcohol, excessive drinking should be avoided. When using this medication in combination with other drugs that can enhance or reduce blood sugar-lowering effects, blood sugar and condition should be closely monitored, as hypoglycemic symptoms may occur. During pregnancy, this medication crosses the placenta, so the fetal growth status should be carefully monitored, and it is not recommended for pregnant women with placental dysfunction or the risk of preeclampsia. It is not recommended to use this medication while breastfeeding. For the elderly, it should be started at the minimum dose considering possible renal function decline, with regular monitoring of renal function. In case of overdose, dialysis may be performed to remove the drug. During the use of this medication, regular monitoring of blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels is needed to assess treatment effectiveness and safety, and checking for vitamin B12 deficiency periodically is also advisable. Finally, this medication does not cause weight gain, making it advantageous for weight management, and it should be used cautiously in children and adolescents.

Serious side effects

Symptoms of lactic acidosis (malaise, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, weakness, abdominal pain, decreased body temperature, low blood pressure, resistant bradyarrhythmia), severe allergic reactions (hives, severe swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, paleness), severe skin adverse reactions (severe rash with fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in mouth/eye mucosa), breathing issues (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, cough with fever),

Mild side effects

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

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent air and moisture from entering. It is best stored at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

White, round film-coated tablet

Package unit

500 tablets/bottle