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Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR

Manufactured byBiochem Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
ContainsMetformin
Description
Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR is an anti-diabetic medicine used in the treatment of type 2 Diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent). It helps in controlling blood sugar levels and prevents complications of diabetes such as blindness, kidney damage, stroke, and heart attack. The medicine helps in the production of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar levels in your blood), which reduces the excess blood sugar levels in your body. Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR shows side effects like headache, change in taste, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, weight loss, etc. This medicine can occasionally cause low blood sugar levels, the signs being sweating, dizziness, and shivering. To avoid these side effects, eat your meals on time and carry a sugar source (sweets or fruit juice) for immediate relief. Avoid using this medicine if you are allergic to it. Alcohol should be avoided while using this medicine, as it can lower your blood glucose levels too. Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR is recommended to be taken with food to avoid any stomach discomfort. Do not chew or crush the tablet. Take Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR as per the prescription. For the ease of remembering, take this tablet around the same time every day. Do not stop taking this medicine unless advised by your doctor, even if your sugar levels are normal. Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR should not be taken if you have type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent), diabetic ketoacidosis (high amounts of acid in your blood), or severe kidney or liver problems. Inform your doctor about any history of heart problems before taking this medication. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor about that too. Your doctor may also recommend blood tests to monitor your blood sugar levels, blood cell count and liver function. You should maintain an appropriate lifestyle such as eating a high fibre diet, exercising regularly, and consuming less sugar-containing food/drinks.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness
  • Chest discomfort
  • Headache
  • Runny Nose
  • Heartburn
  • Swollen joints
  • Insomnia

Uses of Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR

What is it prescribed for?

  • Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Read More
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?
    The amount of time required for Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR to show its effects is approximately 7 to 8 hours after you take it.
  • How long do the effects of this medicine last?
    Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR remains active in your body for approximately 4 days.
  • Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?
    You should avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol while treatment with Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR. Alcohol intake may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (increased level of lactic acid in your blood). This can be serious and life-threatening.
  • Is this a habit forming medicine?
    No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR.
  • Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?
    Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR is usually not advised during pregnancy since it might have significant side effects on your foetus. However, your doctor may recommend a safer alternative with the same therapeutic effect depending on your clinical situation.
  • Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?
    Taking Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR is considered safe if you are breastfeeding and will not affect your infant.

Allergy

Do not take Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR if you have a history of allergies. Allergic reaction to this medicine is rare. Seek immediate medical attention, if you notice any symptoms like skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.

Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis is too much acid in your blood. Do not take Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR if you have any such symptoms like headache, vomiting as it can worsen the condition.

Severe kidney disease

Avoid Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR should not be taken if you have any kidney troubles. This medicine is excreted through urine and taking this medicine while you have pre-existing kidney problems can worsen the condition of your kidney.

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus

Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR may not be effective in controlling your blood sugar level if you have type 1 Diabetes mellitus or insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus. Insulin injections are required to treat such conditions.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR is usually not advised during pregnancy since it might have significant side effects on your foetus. However, your doctor may recommend a safer alternative with the same therapeutic effect depending on your clinical situation.

Breast-feeding

Taking Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR is considered safe if you are breastfeeding and will not affect your infant.
General warnings

Stress

Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR is not recommended to be used under stress-inducing conditions like fever, trauma, operations, accidents. Consult your doctor about continuing this medicine in such cases.

Diarrhoea

You may have (diarrhoea) loose stools when you initially start taking Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR. This usually subsides over time. However, if the problem persists for a longer duration contact your doctor immediately.

Severe liver disease

If you have liver troubles, take Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR with caution. This medicine is metabolised in the liver and taking it while you have a pre-existing liver problem can worsen your condition.

Use in children

Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR is not recommended for use in children since the safety and efficacy data is not available.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take a dose of Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR, make sure that you remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Overdose

Never take more than the prescribed dose of Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR. If you suspect that you have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the nearest emergency medical department/ hospital.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

You should avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol while treatment with Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR. Alcohol intake may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (increased level of lactic acid in your blood). This can be serious and life-threatening.
Interaction with Medicine

Amlodipine

Estradiol

Gatifloxacin

Iodinated Contrast Media

Formoterol

Disease interactions

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR should be taken with caution if your vitamin B12 levels are low as this medicine interferes with the absorption of Vitamin B12 in your body. Take appropriate supplements as suggested by your doctor.

Heart Disease

Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR can increase the risk of heart failure. If you have heart problems, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Lactic Acidosis

Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR increases the risk of developing a condition called lactic acidosis (increased level of lactic acid in your blood). Therefore, your doctor will regularly suggest tests to monitor your blood sugar levels and, kidney and heart function during the treatment with this medicine.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a condition with decreased blood sugar levels. If you are prone to having low blood sugar level episodes, Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR should be taken with caution. Inform your doctor about this condition. He will suggest tests to monitor your blood glucose level regularly.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR as instructed by your doctor. Your doctor may change the dose over time based on the therapeutic response and your clinical condition. You should monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Always carry a sugar candy with you to counteract unexpected lowering of blood sugar levels. Maintain a strict exercise and diet regimen for better results.
Miscelleneous

To be taken with food

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works
Metformin 500 MG Tablet SR works by reducing glucose production in the liver and slows the absorption of sugar (glucose) from your intestines. It also improves your body's sensitivity to insulin thus helping in lowering the increased blood glucose levels.
Legal Status

Approved

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Classification

Category

Non-sulfonylureas, Oral Biguanides

Schedule

Schedule H

Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Metformin. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 8 June 2021].

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/4091#section=Top>

Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Glucophage SR 500mg, 750mg and 1000mg prolonged release tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 8 June 2021].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/20952#gref>

Vibcare Pharma. 2021. Metformin SR | METOVIB SR - Vibcare Pharma. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 8 June 2021].

https://vibcare.co.in/metformin-sr/>

Drugs, H., 2021. Metformin: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 26 July 2021].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696005.html>

Editor (2019). Metformin may help people with diabetes lose weight as it lowers their appetites. This guide describes how Metformin (Glucophage) acts to help reduce appetite. [online] Diabetes. Available at: ‌

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-medication/metformin-weight-loss.html.

www.mayoclinic.org. (n.d.). Metformin (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: ‌

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/metformin-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067074.
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Information on this page was last updated on 1 Sep 2021

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