GLYCOMET 500 SR TAB

About

Metformin 500 SR is an extended-release formulation of metformin, a widely used oral antidiabetic medication belonging to the biguanide class. It is primarily prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in overweight and obese patients, where it helps to improve glycemic control. The sustained-release mechanism allows for once-daily dosing, providing a more consistent therapeutic effect and often improving patient adherence.

Its primary action involves reducing glucose production by the liver, decreasing glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, and enhancing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. This multifaceted approach helps to lower both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels without typically causing hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy. It is often a first-line treatment, especially when lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient.

Uses

• Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Improvement of glycemic control in adults.
• Reduction of HbA1c levels.
• Often used in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Directions For Use

Take this medicine orally with food, usually once daily in the evening, as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break it.

Benefits

• Effectively lowers blood glucose levels.
• Does not typically cause weight gain.
• May promote modest weight loss.
• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in some patients.
• Improves insulin sensitivity.
• Sustained-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing.

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term use)
• Lactic acidosis (rare but serious)
• Hypoglycemia (when used with other antidiabetics)

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious side effect, and may also affect blood sugar levels.
• Pregnancy - Consult your doctor. Metformin is generally considered relatively safe during pregnancy for gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes, but use should be under strict medical supervision.
• Breastfeeding - Consult your doctor. Metformin passes into breast milk in small amounts; generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but monitor the infant for adverse effects.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with liver impairment as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Not recommended in severe hepatic dysfunction.
• Kidney - Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²). Dose adjustment is required for moderate renal impairment due to increased risk of lactic acidosis.
• Lung - Generally safe for use in patients with lung conditions. However, conditions causing hypoxia may increase lactic acidosis risk, so caution is advised.

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