Description

Metformin (Glycoheal 500) 500 mg tablet is an antihyperglycemic agent used in the treatment of diabetes. It helps in keeping your blood sugar in control.

Drug = Metformin

Number of Pills Per Order = 20

Strength = 500 mg

Manufacturer = Healing Pharma

How To Take

Swallow it whole. Take it together with food or immediately after a meal.

Metformin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take Metformin precisely as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Dosage

Adult: Treatment: As conventional tab/solution: Initial: 500 or 850 mg twice a day or three times a day, gradually increase at intervals of at least one week according to the response. Maximum of 3,000 mg/day in 3 divided doses. As extended-release tab: Initial: 500 mg/day with an evening meal, increase dose in increments of 500 mg up to a maximum of 2,000 mg/day according to the response.

Prophylaxis: As extended-release tab: Initial: 500 mg/day with an evening meal, gradually increase the dose at intervals of 10-15 days, according to the response. Maximum of 2,000 mg/day with an evening meal.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule. If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not double a dose under any circumstances.

Overdose 

Signs of overdose may include the following:

Hypoglycemia

Lactic acidosis manifested as acidotic dyspnea

Abdominal pain

Muscle cramps

Hypothermia followed by coma

Seek medical help immediately.

Contraindications

People with the following medical conditions should not take Metformin:

Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis with or without coma

Acute conditions may alter renal function (e.g., dehydration, severe infection, shock), acute or chronic disease-causing hypoxia (e.g., unstable cardiac or respiratory failure, recent MI, shock)

Acute alcohol intoxication or alcoholism

Severe renal (eGFR<30 mL/min) impairment

Intravascular administration of iodinated contrast agents

Side Effects

Metformin may have the following side effects:

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Chest discomfort

Palpitations

Dyspnea

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Abdominal pain

Flatulence

Heartburn/dyspepsia

Abdominal distention

Abnormal stools

Constipation

Asthenia

Flu-like symptoms

Malaise

Cholestatic

Hepatocellular

Mixed hepatocellular liver injury

Myalgia

Chills

Taste disturbance

Headache

Increased somnolence

Upper respiratory tract infection

Nail disease

Rash

Flushing

Potentially Fatal:

Lactic acidosis

Warnings

Do not use Metformin in people with the following conditions:

Heart disease or recent heart attack

Metabolic acidosis

Liver disease

Lung disease

Severe kidney disease

Excessive alcohol intake or alcohol addiction

Radiology procedure involving the injection of a dye into the bloodstream

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

Insulin

Verapamil

Ranolazine

Captopril

Losartan

Hydrochlorothiazide

Cimetidine

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and non-prescription medicines.

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Metformin.

How Does It Work?

Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent that improves glucose tolerance by lowering glucose levels of both basal and postprandial plasma. It decreases the production of hepatic glucose by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, delaying the absorption of intestinal glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by enhancing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.

Uses 

Metformin is used  to treat the following conditions:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Special Precautions and Connected Warnings

Take special precautions if you have the following conditions:

Patients with risk factors for lactic acidosis

Stable heart failure

Dehydration

Prerenal azotemia

Mild to moderate renal impairment

Hepatic impairment

Children and the elderly

Pregnancy and lactation

Not indicated for use in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus or with diabetic ketoacidosis

Avoid alcohol. It is essential to adhere to the diet prescribed by your doctor.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Do not use Metformin that is expired or out of date