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Metformin hydrochloride is a prescription biguanide used with diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults and children age 10 and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This page focuses on immediate-release oral tablets, commonly available in 500 mg, 850 mg, and 1000 mg strengths.
read more about metformin ...Metformin primarily decreases glucose production by the liver and improves the body's response to insulin. It also reduces intestinal glucose absorption. These actions lower blood glucose without directly stimulating pancreatic insulin secretion.
Metformin immediate-release tablets are used in adults and children age 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. They are not approved to treat type 1 diabetes. Kidney function is assessed before treatment and periodically afterward. Severe kidney impairment and acute or chronic metabolic acidosis are contraindications.
Adults typically start at 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily with meals. Doses can increase gradually to a maximum of 2550 mg daily in divided doses. Children age 10 and older start at 500 mg twice daily, with a maximum of 2000 mg daily. Metformin is contraindicated when estimated glomerular filtration rate is below 30 mL per minute per 1.73 square meters, and initiation is not recommended when it is between 30 and 45.
Metformin carries a boxed warning for lactic acidosis, a rare but potentially fatal condition. Risk factors include kidney impairment, advanced age, excessive alcohol intake, liver impairment, certain medicines, and conditions causing inadequate oxygen delivery. Other concerns include vitamin B12 deficiency, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. Metformin sometimes requires temporary interruption around iodinated contrast imaging procedures.
Metformin treats type 2 diabetes in adults and children age 10 and older as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
Immediate-release metformin usually starts at 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily with meals.
The labeled maximum is 2550 mg daily for adults and 2000 mg daily for children age 10 and older.
Yes. Its boxed warning concerns metformin-associated lactic acidosis, which can be life-threatening.
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