Metformin HCl is an oral hypoglycaemic agent. Metformin enhances insulin-stimulated glucose transport in skeletal muscle and increases peripheral glucose uptake due to improved insulin sensitivity. It decreases the hepatic glucose output as well as the rate of gluconeogenesis and stimulates glucosis. Metformin also facilitates the slower absorption of glucose from gastrointestinal tract.

Description

Presentation

    Glucomet-500 Tablet: Each tablet contains Metformin Hydrochloride BP 500 mg.
    Glucomet-850 Tablet: Each tablet contains Metformin Hydrochloride BP 850 mg.
    Glucoment-500 XR Tablet: Each tablet contains Metformin Hydrochloride BP 500 mg.
    Glucoment-750 XR Tablet: Each tablet contains Metformin Hydrochloride BP 750 mg.

Indications

    Non-insulin dependent adult diabetes mellitus, when over weight or obesity not responding to dietary therapy.
    Glucomet can be given alone as initial therapy or can be administered in combination with a sulfonylurea.
    In insulin dependent diabetics, Glucomet may be given as an adjuvant to patients whose symptoms are not well controlled and who are often obese.

Dosage & Administration

    The usual starting dose is 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once a day, given with meals. Dosage increase should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks up to a total of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses. Patients can be titrated from 500 mg twice a day to 850 mg twice a day after 2 weeks. For these patients requiring additional glycaemic control, Glucomet may be given to a maximum daily dose of 2550 mg per day. Doses above 2000 mg may be better tolerated when given three times a day with meals. The usual starting dose of Metformin HCl extended - release tablet is 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. Dosage increase may be made up to a max. of 2000 mg once daily with the evening meal.

Contrainidications

    Hepatic or renal impairment (withdraw if renal impairment suspected), predisposition to lactic acidosis, heart failure, severe infection or trauma, dehydration, alcohol dependence, pregnancy, breast feeding etc.

Warning & Precautions

    Because of possibility of hypoglycemia in combination therapy with a sulphonylurea or insulin, diabetic control should be monitored by blood sugar readings.

Side effects

    Glucomet may cause gastro-intestinal adverse effects like diarrhoea, anorexia, nausea & vomiting. Lactic acidosis and malabsorption of vitamin B12 may be occurred. Patients may experience a metallic taste and there may be weight loss, which in some diabetics could be an advantage.

Drug interaction

    It may enhance the effects of anti-coagulants. As such patients receiving the two drugs concomitantly may need adjustment of the anti-coagulant dosage.

Use in special groups

Packing

    Glucomet-500 Tablet: Each box contains 100's tablets in blister pack.
    Glucomet-850 Tablet: Each box contains 60's tablets in blister pack.
    Glucomet-500 XR Tablet: Each box contains 50's tablets in blister pack.
    Glucomet-750 XR Tablet: Each box contains 30's tablets in blister pack.