Glucomet 850mg Tablet

Uses of Glucomet 850mg Tablet

It is used in adults and in children (aged 10 years or older) to treat:

• Type II diabetes mellitus

How does Glucomet 850mg Tablet work?

Glucomet 850mg Tablet is an antidiabetic medication that enhances insulin sensitivity in the body, leading to increased utilization of circulating glucose by cells and a subsequent reduction in blood sugar levels. It also inhibits glucose production by the liver and limits glucose absorption in the body.

Side Effects of Glucomet 850mg Tablet

Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite, which are most common at the beginning of treatment and often resolve spontaneously. Less common side effects include taste disturbances and skin reactions such as erythema, pruritus, and urticaria. Very rare side effects include lactic acidosis, decreased vitamin B12 absorption, peripheral neuropathy in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, and encephalopathy.

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Indication

Metformin is prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in overweight individuals when lifestyle changes and exercise alone do not effectively control blood sugar levels. It can be used alone or in combination with other oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin in adults. Additionally, it can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with insulin in children aged 10 and older. Metformin has been found to reduce diabetic complications in overweight adults with type 2 diabetes when used as the initial treatment after dietary modifications.

Pharmacology

Metformin, a biguanide oral antihyperglycemic medication, is employed in the management of type 2 diabetes. It lowers both fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels. Its mode of action differs from that of sulfonylureas, and it does not induce hypoglycemia. Metformin reduces the production of glucose by the liver, decreases the absorption of glucose in the intestines, and enhances insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.

Dosage & Administration of Glucomet 850mg Tablet

Dosage and Administration: The dosage of Metformin Hydrochloride should be tailored to each patient's response and tolerance while staying within the maximum recommended daily doses.

Adults: The typical initial dose is 500 mg taken twice daily or 850 mg taken once daily with meals. The dosage can be increased in increments of 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every two weeks, up to a maximum of 2000 mg per day, split into multiple doses. For patients requiring more intensive glycemic control, a maximum daily dose of 2550 mg can be administered, with doses exceeding 2000 mg better tolerated when taken three times daily with meals.

Children: In children, the usual starting dose is 500 mg taken twice daily with meals, with incremental increases of 500 mg per week up to a maximum of 2000 mg per day, divided into multiple doses.

Metformin Extended-release Tablet: The Metformin XR tablet should be swallowed whole, not crushed, cut, or chewed.

Adults: The standard initial dose is 500 mg taken once daily in the evening with a meal. The dose can be increased by 500 mg per week, up to a maximum of 2000 mg once daily with the evening meal, or it can be increased to 1000 mg twice daily with meals. Patients on Metformin immediate-release tablets may be switched to Metformin extended-release tablets, up to the maximum recommended daily dose.

Children: Metformin extended-release tablets have not been studied in children.

Patients with Renal Impairment: Metformin should not be used in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Assess the risk and benefits if eGFR falls below 45 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Interaction

Co-administration of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (such as topiramate and zonisamide) may increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Drugs that inhibit Metformin clearance (such as ranolazine, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) can lead to Metformin accumulation. Alcohol can amplify Metformin's effect on lactate metabolism.

Contraindications

Metformin should not be used in individuals with hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of the excipients, acute metabolic acidosis (including lactic acidosis and diabetic ketoacidosis), severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min), acute conditions that may alter renal function, and conditions that may cause tissue hypoxia (such as recent myocardial infarction or hepatic insufficiency).

Pregnancy & Lactation

Metformin is not recommended during pregnancy, as uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies and perinatal mortality. If pregnancy is planned or occurs, it is recommended to switch to insulin to maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Metformin is excreted into breast milk, but no adverse effects have been observed in breastfed infants. However, limited data are available, so breastfeeding is not recommended during Metformin treatment, and a decision should be made considering the benefits of breastfeeding and potential risks to the child.

Precautions & Warnings

Metformin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, and the risk of Metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis increases with declining renal function. Metformin use has been associated with decreased vitamin B12 levels. When used with insulin or insulin secretagogues, it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Storage Conditions

 Store Metformin below 30°C, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.