Metformin Tablet (Metformin Hydrochloride)

Adult dosage

The dosage should be determined according to individual drug effectiveness and tolerability, and should not exceed the recommended maximum dose per day. This medication should be initiated at a low dose to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects and confirm the minimum effective dose required for proper blood sugar control, taking 500 mg 2 to 3 times a day with meals. The dose may be gradually increased by 500 mg weekly, and up to 2000 mg is normally administered in divided doses twice daily (morning and evening). For doses exceeding 2000 mg, it should be divided into 3 doses with meals, and can be administered up to a maximum of 2550 mg per day. Blood glucose should be measured when starting and adjusting the dose to assess the therapeutic response to this medication and to confirm the minimum effective dose. Glycated hemoglobin levels should be measured approximately every 3 months. The therapeutic aim of this medication is to achieve normal or near-normal fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin levels using the minimum effective dose, whether administered as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylureas or insulin. Generally, if a patient whose blood sugar was previously controlled solely by dietary therapy suddenly experiences uncontrolled blood sugar levels, a short course of this medication may provide sufficient efficacy.

Children's dosage

Can be used in children over 10 years of age or growing adolescents. The usual starting dose is 500 mg once daily, taken during or after meals. Blood sugar levels should be measured a week later to adjust the dosage.

This medication may cause severe lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia, so caution should be exercised. It should particularly not be administered to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, acute heart failure or myocardial infarction, or patients in a severe infection state. Additionally, before undergoing tests using iodine contrast agents, this medication should be discontinued and can only be restarted after reassessing renal function. It is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to this medication, or in patients with type 1 diabetes or metabolic acidosis. The medication should be discontinued 48 hours before surgery and can only be restarted after confirming normal renal function. Caution is also necessary in patients with malnutrition or weakness, liver dysfunction, significant lung disease, or those who consume excessive alcohol. This medication may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, metallic taste, skin rash, and rarely anemia, decreased blood cells, abnormal liver function, and hypoglycemia; if any unusual symptoms appear, medical consultation should be sought immediately. Renal function should be monitored regularly, and caution is especially needed for the elderly or patients with impaired renal function. Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects from this medication, so excessive drinking should be avoided. Furthermore, there may be interactions with other medications; be sure to inform healthcare professionals of any other medications taken, and the blood sugar control status should be closely monitored during treatment. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, this medication should be used cautiously based on the physician's judgment, and careful observation of its effects on the fetus or newborn is necessary. In cases of overdose, this medication can be removed by blood dialysis, so immediate emergency care should be sought if an overdose is suspected. This medication does not cause weight gain, which is advantageous for diabetes treatment, but regular monitoring of blood sugar and renal function, along with checking vitamin B12 levels, is required.

Serious side effects

Lactic acidosis (muscle pain, difficulty breathing, weakness, abdominal pain, decrease in body temperature, hypotension, resistant bradyarrhythmia), liver abnormalities (abnormal liver function, possibility of jaundice), severe allergic reactions (such as rash), hypoglycemia (severe delayed hypoglycemia).

Mild side effects

Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation, abdominal pain), metallic taste, rash, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, vitamin B12 deficiency, abnormal liver function, hypoglycemia, adverse reactions in children.

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to avoid exposure to air or moisture, and it is advisable to keep it at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. This storage will help maintain the effectiveness of the medication and prevent deterioration.

Appearance

White round film-coated tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 300 tablets/bottle