Metformin-Astrafarm 500 mg is a foundational oral hypoglycemic agent belonging to the biguanide class. It is the primary clinical choice for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, particularly when dietary adjustments and physical exercise have not sufficiently stabilized blood glucose levels. This medication is especially indicated for patients with excess body weight, as it serves as a first-line preparation to reduce diabetes-related complications. Metformin-Astrafarm can be used as a monotherapy or integrated into complex treatment regimens alongside other oral antidiabetic agents or insulin for both adults and children aged 10 years and older.
Each film-coated tablet is formulated to provide precise dosing:
Active Substance: Metformin hydrochloride — 500 mg.
Excipients: Povidone, magnesium stearate.
Coating: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 2910, 5sPz, PEG 6000, and titanium dioxide.
Metformin-Astrafarm targets high blood sugar through three distinctive biological pathways that do not involve stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin:
Hepatic Inhibition: It reduces the liver's production of glucose by suppressing gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis.
Muscle Sensitivity: It enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing skeletal muscles to absorb and utilize glucose more efficiently.
Absorption Regulation: It slows the rate of glucose absorption within the gastrointestinal tract.
Because metformin does not increase insulin secretion, it has a very low risk of causing weight gain or hypoglycemia in monotherapy. It also has a beneficial impact on lipid metabolism, helping to lower total cholesterol and LDL levels.
Primary Treatment for T2DM: For adults and children over 10 years old.
First-line Therapy for Overweight Patients: To minimize macrovascular and microvascular complications.
Combined Protocols: Effective when used in conjunction with other oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin.
Hypersensitivity to metformin or any tablet components.
Metabolic Disorders: Diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic precoma.
Renal Impairment: Moderate (Stage IIIb) and severe kidney failure (GFR < 45 ml/min).
Acute Conditions: Severe dehydration, shock, or severe infectious diseases.
Tissue Hypoxia: Decompensated heart failure, respiratory failure, or recent myocardial infarction.
Liver Health: Hepatic failure, acute alcohol poisoning, or alcoholism.
Adults:
Initial Dose: Usually 500 mg or 850 mg taken 2–3 times per day.
Titration: After 10–15 days, adjust the dose based on blood glucose measurements.
Maximum Dose: 3000 mg per day, divided into 3 separate doses.
Method: Always take tablets during or after meals to minimize digestive discomfort.
Children (10+ Years):
Initial Dose: 500 mg or 850 mg once daily.
Maximum Dose: 2000 mg per day, divided into 2–3 doses.
Gradual Increase: A slow increase in dosage is the most effective way to help the digestive system adapt and reduce the incidence of side effects.
Digestive (Very Common): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. These symptoms usually occur at the start of therapy and disappear spontaneously.
Nervous System: Taste disturbances (metallic taste in the mouth).
Metabolic: Rare risk of Lactic Acidosis.
Skin: Isolated reports of itching, redness, or urticaria.
Lactic Acidosis: A rare but life-threatening emergency. Risk increases with kidney dysfunction, alcohol abuse, or dehydration. If severe muscle cramps or weakness occur, seek immediate medical care.
Pregnancy: It is recommended to switch to insulin during pregnancy to maintain the most stable blood glucose levels possible.
Breastfeeding: Use is not recommended as metformin is excreted in breast milk and safety data is limited.
Driving: Monotherapy is safe; however, combined therapy (with insulin or sulfonylureas) requires caution due to potential hypoglycemia.
Store in the original packaging at a temperature not higher than 25°C.
Ensure the medication is kept in a place inaccessible to children.
Shelf Life: 5 years.
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