Metformin: Uses, Price, Dosage, Side Effects, Substitute, Buy Online

Metformin Benefits & Uses

Metformin is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Diabetes (Read More - 10 Home Remedies for Diabetes)

Metformin Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Diabetes Type 2 Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 500 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: Diabetes Type 2 Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 500 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: Diabetes Type 2 Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 500 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
2 - 12 years (Child)	Disease: Diabetes Type 2 Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 500 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor

Metformin Related Warnings

Is the use of Metformin safe for pregnant women?

Pregnant women may get mild side effects from Metformin.

Mild
Is the use of Metformin safe during breastfeeding?

Metformin may lead to some side effects in breastfeeding women. If you witness any unusal symptoms after taking Metformin, discontinue its use and call your doctor right away. Follow your doctor's advice regarding the use of Metformin.

Moderate
What is the effect of Metformin on the Kidneys?

Metformin does not damage the kidneys.

Safe
What is the effect of Metformin on the Liver?

Metformin is completely safe for the liver.

Safe
What is the effect of Metformin on the Heart?

Metformin is completely safe for the heart.

Safe

Severe Interaction of Metformin with Other Drugs

Metformin should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Diatrizoic Acid

Gatifloxacin

Moderate

Metformin Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Metformin unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Anemia
Shock
Heart Failure
Liver Disease
Heart Disease
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Drug Allergy
Kidney Disease

Frequently asked Questions about Metformin

Is this Metformin habit forming or addictive?

Forming a habit of Metformin has not been reported.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

Metformin will not make you feel sleepy or drowsy. So you drive or operate machinery safely.

Safe
Is it safe?

Yes, but consume Metformin only on doctor's advice.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

Metformin is unable to treat or cure mental disorders.

No

Metformin Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Metformin

Due to a lack of research, nothing can be said about the consequences of taking Metformin together with food.

Unknown
Interaction between Alcohol and Metformin

Consuming Metformin with alcohol can have many serious effects on your body.

Severe

Frequently asked Questions about Metformin

Question almost 5 years ago

Does Metformin cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?

Dr. Ramraj MBBS , Other

Yes, Metformin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, this can also occur if you delay or miss a meal, drink alcohol, exercise more than usual, can't eat due to stomach upset, and taking other antidiabetic medicine with metformin. So, regular monitoring of blood glucose level is needed and be cautious of symptoms of hypoglycemia, always keep glucose-rich food with you.

Question almost 5 years ago

Does Metformin cause sweating?

Dr. Joydeep Sarkar MBBS , Internal Medicine

Yes, Metformin can cause night sweat, the exact mechanism of sweating is not known. But some research suggests that Metformin causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) especially at night which can cause night sweats. Need to monitor your blood glucose level regularly, and talk to your doctor as your dose of Metformin may need to be adjusted.

Question over 4 years ago

How does Metformin increase lactic acidosis?

Dr. Manoj Meena MBBS , General Physician

Lactic acidosis associated with Metformin treatment is a rare but fatal adverse effect. Lactic acidosis appears to result from biguanide interference causing an increase in production and decrease in clearance of lactate leading to higher cellular lactate levels. A decrease in pyruvate carboxylase activity, the rate-limiting enzyme in the formation of glucose from lactate, can also decrease hepatic metabolism of lactate. leading to increasing lactic acidosis. Signs and symptoms of Metformin induced lactic acidosis are nonspecific and include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, hyperpnoea, abdominal pain, and thirst.

Question about 5 years ago

How long should I take Metformin for?

Dr. Ram Saini MD, MBBS , General Physician

Metformin can be taken forever, diabetes is a progressive disease it's possible that more medication and/or insulin may eventually need to be added to the regime.

Question about 5 years ago

What are the uses of Metformin?

Dr. Haleema Yezdani MBBS , General Physician

Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program, to treat diabetes. It is also used with other medication to reduce the high blood sugar. It is used in a patient with type2 diabetes. It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and cancer.