Metformin - Glucophage 500 mg and 1000 mg Diabetes Tablets

Metformin - Glucophage 500 mg and 1000 mg Tablets

Metformin is the first-line tablet for type 2 diabetes, taken with diet and exercise, on its own or alongside other diabetes medicines and insulin. It is supplied as Glucophage 500 mg and 1000 mg tablets, 60 per pack. Metformin is a biguanide: it does not push the pancreas to release more insulin, so it is less likely to cause low blood sugar on its own. It is not used to treat type 1 diabetes. Another class of tablet used for the same condition is Glimepiride.

• Two variants: Glucophage 500 mg and Glucophage 1000 mg
• 60 tablets per pack
• Biguanide that controls blood sugar in type 2 diabetes
• A prescription medicine in most countries

Variant Comparison

Both variants contain metformin hydrochloride; the difference is the strength in each tablet and how the daily dose is built.

Treatment starts at a low dose, increased no more often than every one to two weeks, so the 500 mg tablet is what most people begin with and it allows the dose to move in small steps. The 1000 mg tablet reaches higher daily amounts with fewer tablets, which suits a settled maintenance dose. Stomach upset is common at the start; persistent nausea is assessed and treated separately with Domperidone only if nausea persists and is assessed.

How Metformin Works

Metformin reduces glucose absorbed from food, reduces glucose released by the liver, and helps the body respond to its own insulin. Because it works with existing insulin, it is not used in type 1 diabetes. It rarely causes hypoglycaemia on its own, but the risk rises if it is combined with insulin or sulfonylureas, or if meals are skipped. Diabetes raises cardiovascular risk, so a statin such as Atorlip is often prescribed alongside it.

Dosage & Administration

Glucophage tablets are swallowed with meals two or three times a day, and the dose is built up gradually. Extended-release metformin is a different product, taken once daily with the evening meal and swallowed whole. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is close, and never double up. Metformin can rarely cause lactic acidosis: stop it and call a doctor immediately for extreme tiredness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, dizziness or muscle pain. It is stopped before surgery and before x-ray procedures with contrast dye, and it is not used in kidney disease. Alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis, so ask your doctor what is safe.

This product may require a prescription in your country. Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.