Metformin is an oral hypoglycaemic drug primarily indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, which can be used alone or associated with other oral antidiabetics. It can also be used to treat type 1 diabetes in addition to insulin.
Metformin can be purchased from pharmacies, its price depends on the dose, packaging and brand of the drug, if necessary the presentation of the prescription.
- Metformin is an antidiabetic drug that helps reduce blood sugar.
- Mainly used in type 2 diabetics.
- Especially in overweight people.
- Your doctor may order this medicine in combination with other medicines to treat diabetes or insulin.
In addition, this medicine can be used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome, which is a condition characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty getting pregnant. Learn more about this syndrome.
In clinical studies, metformin has been associated with stabilization of body weight or slight weight loss; However, this medicine should not be used for this purpose unless otherwise indicated by your doctor as it may cause side effects.
The pills should be taken at the time of food delivery, starting treatment with small doses that may gradually increase, which helps to reduce the occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects. Tablets should be taken in case of single daily intake and in case of doses per day and in the case of three times a day, once in the case, one day and the other
Metformin is available as 500 mg, 850 mg and 1000 mg tablets. The dose depends on the problem to be treated:
For adults with type 2 diabetes, who are not insulin-dependent, metformin can be used alone in combination with other diabetes medications, such as sulphonylureas. The initial doses are 500 mg or 850 mg, sometimes daily and, if necessary, this dose can be increased each week up to a maximum of 3000 mg divided into 3 daily intakes.
In the youngest of 10 years, the starting dose is 500 mg or 850 mg per day and the maximum daily dose should not exceed 2000 mg, divided into 2 or 3 doses.
For adults with insulin-dependent diabetes type 1, metformin and insulin can be used in combination to achieve better blood glucose control. Metformin should be administered at the usual starting dose of 500 mg or 850 mg, 2 to 3 times daily, while insulin doses should be adjusted to blood glucose levels.
The dose is usually 1000 to 1500 mg per day divided into 2 or 3 doses. Treatment should be initiated at a low dose and if you can gradually increase doses each week, you should reach the desired doses. In some cases it may be necessary to use 1 850 mg tablet, 2 to 3 times a day. For the presentation of 1 g it is recommended to use 1 to 2 tablets per day.
People with diabetes do not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin produced correctly because the blood glucose level is high.
Metformin works to reduce these abnormal blood glucose levels to bring them closer to normal.
The most common side effects that can occur during treatment with metformin are digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and changes in the sense of taste.
Metformin hydrochloride should not be used by people with metformin hypersensitivity or other ingredients of the formula, liver or kidney problems, uncontrolled diabetes, hyperglycemia or severe ketoacidosis.
In addition, it should not be used in people suffering from dehydration, serious infections, in treatment for heart problems, who have recently had a heart attack, who have severe circulatory problems or breathing difficulties, who consume excessive alcoholic beverages. , having undergone elective surgeries, larger sizes or samples using contrast media containing iodine.
This medicine should not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers or children under 10 years of age without medical advice.