Glucophage 500mg/100mg Tablets

Glucophage is an oral medicine in the non-sulfonylurea drug class. Its generic name is Metformin. The medicine is available in strengths ranging from 500 mg to 1000 mg and is taken once to three times daily, according to the doctor's prescription.

How Is Glucophage Used For?

Glucophage is an oral diabetes medicine. It helps control blood sugar levels, especially for overweight patients who haven't achieved proper blood sugar control through dietary adjustments and exercise alone. This medication is used specifically for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sometimes, Glucophage is used in combination with insulin or other drugs.

How Does Glucophage Work?

It's still not completely understood how Metformin works. Multiple potential mechanisms of action have been proposed:

• Imitrex lowers the amount of sugar the liver makes
• Helps the body use insulin better
• Does not increase insulin levels directly.
• Reduces sugar made after meals.
• Improves insulin response in muscles and fat.
• Lowers hunger through a hormone called GDF15.

Imitrex may affect the gut and gut bacteria, and does not cause weight gain or low sugar. The medicine works best with healthy food and exercise.

How to Take Glucophage

Glucophage comes in immediate-release and extended–release tablets with varying dosages. Take it precisely as your doctor has prescribed. Follow the directions on your prescription label, guides, and instruction sheets. Take this medicine with a meal, unless your physician tells you otherwise. You only take Glucophage once daily with the evening meal. You shouldn't crush, break, or chew an extended-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Note: Glucophage tablets have a shell that is not melted or absorbed by the body. You may see part of this shell in your stool. This is normal and won't make the medication less effective. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a glucagon injection kit if you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure to have someone close who knows how to administer this injection in an emergency.

Missed Dosage/Overdosage

If you missed a dose of Glucophage, take the medicine as soon as you memorise. However, skip the missed dosage if it's the time for the next dose. You don't want to take a double dose at one time. Overdosing on Glucophage can result in serious health conditions. Seek emergency medical help in case of an overdose.

Glucophage Dosing Information for Adults

The following is the usual adult dosing information for immediate and extended releases:

Immediate-Release

Initial dose - 500 mg orally twice daily or 850 mg once daily. Increase 500 mg weekly increments or 850 mg every two weeks as tolerated. For maintenance dose, take 2000 mg daily in divided doses. You can not exceed 2550 mg per day.

Extended-Release

The initial dose is 500 to 100 mg, taken orally once daily. It is increased in 500 mg weekly increments as tolerated. The maintenance dose is 2000 mg daily, and the maximum dose is 2500 mg per day.

Glucophage Dosing Information for Pediatric

The following is the usual pediatric (10 years or older) dosage information for immediate and extended releases:

Immediate-Release:

The initial dose is 500 mg orally twice a day. Increase in 500 mg weekly increments as tolerated. The maintenance dose is 2000 mg daily, and the maximum is 2000 mg daily.

Possible Side Effects of Glucophage

Glucophage is generally well-tolerated. However, like any other medicine, it has its fair share of side effects. The most common are listed below: Allergic reactions include inconsistent breathing, face swelling, and hives.

• Rashes on sensitive skin
• Muscle pain
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain and bloating may occur if overdosed
• Taste disorder
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Reduced body weight.
• Gastrointestinal irritation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Reduction in Vitamin B12

Stop taking Glucophage and contact your doctor if you have one of these side effects.

• Diarrhea
• Irregular heart rate
• Mild to chronic kidney disease

The list mentioned above is not complete. Please consult your doctor if you experience a side effect other than these.

Warnings and Precautions

You should not take Glucophage if you’re allergic to Metformin. Also, before using Glucophage, tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following:

• Kidney disease
• Metabolic acidosis
• Allergic to Metformin
• High ketone levels
• Heart disease
• Liver disease

Metaphormin is found to be safe for both the mother and baby in the short term. However, its long-term reactions are unclear. The dose depends on blood sugar level and other medical conditions. Therefore, it is mandatory to consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Taking it without medical supervision may be risky for the mother and child.

Glucophage Interactions with Other Medicines

Many medicines can interact with Metformin. These interactions can make Metformin less effective or increase the risk of side effects, such as lactic acidosis. Medicines that may interact with Imitrex include prescription and OTC medications, herbal products, and vitamins. Important: There may be other possible interactions. Please inform your healthcare provider of all the drugs you're taking currently, those you start or stop using.

How to Store Glucophage?

Glucophage must be stored in a dry and cool place—away from direct sunlight. Please do not share the medicine with anyone; keep it out of the reach of children and pets.