Metformin

Therapeutic Group

Blood Glucose Lowering Drugs, Excluding Insulin

Indication Dosage

Maturity-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Monotherapy And In Combination With Insulin Or With Sulphonylureas Monotherapy: 

  • Adults: Initially 500 -850 Mg Two Or Three Times Daily During Or After Meals, Adjust Dose According To Response By Increasing 500 Mg Or 850 Mg After 10-15 Days; Max Dose 3g Daily. 

With Insulin: 

  • Adults: Initially 500 Mg Daily, Increase 500 Mg Every Wk. Max: 2500 Mg/day. Decrease Insulin Dose 10-25% When Fasting Plasma Glucose Is Less Than the Desired Level. 
  • Children Above 10yrs: Initially 500 -850 Mg Once Daily During Or After Meals As Mono Therapy Or With Insulin, Adjust Dose After 10-15 Days According To Blood Glucose Level; Max Dose 2g Daily In 2-3 Divided Dose.

Content

  • Tab 250mg /500mg /750mg /850mg /1gm: Metformin 250mg /500mg /750mg /850mg /1gm.

Pregnancy

Contraindicated Or Not Recommended.

Stability

  • Biguanide

Contra Indications

  • Acute Metabolic Acidosis Or Pre-coma, Hepatic Or Severe Renal (gfr<30ml/min) Impairment. Acute Conditions Predisposing To Renal Impairment, Cardiac Or Respiratory Failure, Recent Mi, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Lactation, And Elderly (above 75yrs).

Precautions

  • Acute Metabolic Acidosis Or Pre-coma, Hepatic Or Severe Renal (gfr<30ml/min) Impairment. Acute Conditions Predisposing To Renal Impairment, Cardiac Or Respiratory Failure, Recent Mi, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Lactation, And Elderly (above 75yrs).

Lactation

  • Contraindicated or Not Recommended.

Side Effects

  • Reports Of Altered Lfts
  • Hepatitis
  • Gi Upset
  • Taste Disturbance
  • Skin Reactions
  • Reduced B12 Absorptions
  • Abnormal Liver Function Tests
  • Rarely Lactic Acidosis.