Metformin 500mg is an oral antidiabetic medicine belonging to the biguanide class. It is the first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by reducing hepatic glucose production, improving insulin sensitivity, and slowing intestinal glucose absorption. It does not cause weight gain or hypoglycemia when used alone.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin Resistance, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Prediabetes, Weight management in diabetic patients, Metabolic syndrome
Adults: 500mg once or twice daily with meals. Dose may be increased gradually to 1000mg–2000mg/day as advised by doctor. Maximum dose: 2550mg/day. Always take as prescribed.
Take orally with or after meals to reduce stomach upset. Swallow whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew. Take at the same time each day. Do not skip doses.
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Stomach upset, Loss of appetite, Metallic taste in mouth, Lactic acidosis (rare but serious)
Interaction with Alcohol
Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Metformin. Alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis and can cause unpredictable changes in blood sugar levels. Even occasional drinking may worsen side effects like nausea and dizziness.
Pregnancy Warning
Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. Insulin is generally preferred over Metformin during pregnancy for better glucose control. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. May be used in gestational diabetes under close medical supervision.
Breastfeeding Caution
Metformin passes into breast milk in small amounts. Use with caution during breastfeeding only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while on this medication. Monitor the infant for any signs of hypoglycemia.
Driving / Machinery
Metformin alone does not cause hypoglycemia and generally does not affect the ability to drive. However, if used in combination with other antidiabetic drugs like insulin or sulfonylureas, low blood sugar may occur — do not drive if you experience dizziness, confusion, or weakness.
Liver Function
Avoid use in patients with significant hepatic impairment or liver disease. Impaired liver function reduces the clearance of lactate, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. Liver function should be monitored periodically during long-term therapy.
Kidney Function
Contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min). Use with caution if eGFR is between 30–60 mL/min with dose adjustment. Regular monitoring of kidney function (serum creatinine, eGFR) is essential before starting and during treatment. Discontinue if acute kidney injury occurs.
Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed, consult doctor. Alcohol: Avoid — increases risk of lactic acidosis. Kidney: Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (eGFR <30). Liver: Avoid in hepatic impairment. Stop before contrast dye procedures or surgery.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
1) Lowering high blood glucose levels
2) First-line treatment for newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetics
3) Used alone or combined with other antidiabetics
4) Insulin resistance management
5) Weight management in obese diabetic patients
6) Gestational diabetes (under supervision)
7) Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
8) Metabolic syndrome
9) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
10) Prevention of Type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals
1) Reduces glucose production in the liver
2) Improves insulin sensitivity in muscle cells
3) Slows intestinal absorption of glucose
4) Does not cause hypoglycemia on its own
5) Activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
6) Decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis
7) Enhances peripheral glucose uptake
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, metallic taste in mouth, flatulence, indigestion, weight loss, vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term use), lactic acidosis (rare but serious)
Monitor kidney function regularly before and during treatment. Withhold before surgical procedures or contrast dye imaging. Avoid in patients with dehydration or excessive alcohol intake. Use with caution in elderly patients. May cause vitamin B12 deficiency with prolonged use — periodic monitoring recommended. Do not use during acute illness, fever, or infection. Inform doctor if undergoing any diagnostic tests involving iodinated contrast media.
Renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min), hepatic impairment, congestive heart failure, history of lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypersensitivity to Metformin, severe dehydration, alcoholism, acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, patients undergoing radiological studies with iodinated contrast agents
No reviews yet. Be the first to review!