Metformin 500 mg Film-Coated Tablets | Indications & Buy Online

Metformin 500 mg is a fundamental antidiabetic preparation that acts on the digestive system and metabolism to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is recognized globally as a first-line treatment, particularly for patients with excess body weight where diet and exercise alone have failed to maintain healthy glycemic levels. By improving the body's sensitivity to insulin and regulating glucose production, Metformin 500 mg helps reduce long-term diabetic complications. This medication is suitable for adults as monotherapy or in combination with other agents, as well as for children and adolescents aged 10 years and older.

Composition and Active Substance

Each film-coated tablet is formulated for high purity and consistent performance:

• Active Substance: Metformin hydrochloride (as 100% substance) — 500 mg.

• Excipients: Sodium starch glycolate (type A), povidone, corn starch, magnesium stearate, and colloidal anhydrous silicon dioxide.

• Film Coating: Hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 6000, talc, titanium dioxide (E171), and propylene glycol.

Pharmacological Action

Metformin targets hyperglycemia through three primary mechanisms that do not involve stimulating insulin secretion:

1. Hepatic Regulation: It suppresses gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, effectively lowering the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

2. Muscle Sensitivity: It enhances insulin sensitivity, improving the uptake and utilization of glucose by skeletal muscles.

3. Gastrointestinal Absorption: It slows the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream from the intestines.

Because it does not increase insulin levels, metformin monotherapy carries a very low risk of weight gain and hypoglycemia.

Indications for Use

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Treatment in adults and children (10+ years) when lifestyle changes are insufficient.

• Overweight Management: Preferred therapy to reduce vascular complications in patients with excess body weight.

• Flexible Combinations: Can be used alongside insulin or other oral hypoglycemic agents for enhanced control.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to metformin or any tablet components.

• Acute Metabolic Acidosis: Including lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Diabetic Precoma.

• Severe Renal Failure: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 30 ml/min.

• Liver Impairment: Acute alcohol poisoning, alcoholism, or liver failure.

Dosage and Administration

Adults & Children (10+ Years):

• Starting Dose: Usually 500 mg or 850 mg taken 2–3 times daily.

• Titration: After 10–15 days, the dose is adjusted based on blood serum glucose measurements.

• Method: Tablets should be taken during or after meals to minimize digestive side effects.

• Maximizing Tolerance: A slow increase in the daily dose helps the gastrointestinal tract adapt to the medication.

Features of Application

• Dietary Discipline: Patients must continue a low-calorie diet (if overweight) and maintain a uniform intake of carbohydrates throughout the day.

• Pregnancy: Preclinical studies have not revealed fetal defects, but medical guidelines often recommend switching to insulin for the most precise glycemic control during pregnancy.

• Driving: Monotherapy is safe; however, caution is required when combined with other agents (like sulfonylureas) that can cause hypoglycemia.

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite (most common at the start of therapy).

• Nervous System: Taste disturbances (metallic taste).

• Metabolic: Rare risk of lactic acidosis.

• Hepatobiliary: Isolated reports of impaired liver function or hepatitis that resolve after drug withdrawal.

• Skin: Reactions such as erythema, itching, or urticaria.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life

• Store in the original packaging at a temperature not higher than 25°C.

• Ensure the product is kept out of the reach of children.

• Shelf Life: Refer to the expiration date on the box.