Metformin: Dosage, Uses, Side Effects and Brand Names

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is managed using the medication metformin. It functions by reducing the absorption of glucose in the intestines, lowering glucose production in the liver, and improving insulin sensitivity. Exercise and changes in eating habits can improve metformin’s results.

Introduction

Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are generally three types of diabetes: type 1 DM, type 1.5 DM, and type 2 DM. An autoimmune condition known as type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s defenses attack the beta cells found in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which a person is not able to produce sufficient insulin causing high blood sugar. When a person has both type 1 and type 2 diabetic symptoms, they are said to have type 1.5 diabetes. In this condition initially person does not require insulin but in a later stage, it may required.

Metformin Mechanism of Action

Metformin, a drug of the biguanide class has bioavailability up to 50% to 60%. It works by reducing glucose in the body by inhibiting new glucose production. Metformin also improves insulin responsiveness by increasing the absorption and usage of glucose within the body. Metformin decreases the osmosis of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract to reduce the spike-up of glucose after a meal.

Dosage 

Metformin is administered through the oral route of administration only. It is available in two types of dosage forms that is tablet and suspension. The dose of metformin varies from patient to patient. Generally, it depends on age, sex, weight, region, and race. The average doses are as follows:

For adults, it could vary from 500 mg to 800 mg two times a day after a meal.

For children of age between 12 years to 19 years, it could vary from 500 mg to 750 mg in the morning and evening.

For children below the age of 10 years, the dose always varies and it should be determined by their primary care physician or specialist. 

Combinations

Metformin is a drug that is always given in combination for better control over type 2 diabetes mellitus. Some combinations are as follows:

• Metformin + Sitagliptin 
• Metformin + Dapagliflozin
• Metformin + Linagliptin
• Metformin + Empagliflozin
• Metformin + Glimepiride
• Metformin + Teneligliptin 

Uses

Metformin is a drug extensively used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus due to its cost-effectiveness and easy availability. It has been used for more than 50 years in the treatment of diabetes. Over the years different uses of metformin were brought to the light and scientifically proven. The other uses include the treatment of kidney disease, heart-related diseases, obesity, liver diseases, and some cancers. 

Obesity

Obesity is a co-morbid condition of diabetes. Nowadays it is increasing rapidly due to changes in eating habits, and lack of physical activity. In some cases, it is evident that metformin has the potential to treat obesity. It is useful in patients with obesity who are non-diabetic. 

Kidney Diseases

Chronic kidney disease is interlinked with diabetes mellitus. It helps to reduce inflammation and restore normal kidney function.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Patients with diabetes who take metformin report having fewer heart-related illnesses overall.

Gestational Diabetes 

Metformin is widely used in the treatment of diabetes during pregnancy. The substance poses no adverse effects on the fetus and is considered safe for use during the entire duration of pregnancy.

Side Effects

Metformin is used comprehensively due to its safety and has very less side effects. But some patients can experience a few of them as follows: 

• Vomiting, constipation, heartburn, bloating gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea 

• Reduced appetite, dizziness, muscle pain, cough, fever or chills, excessive sleep, lightheadedness
• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), severe allergic reactions, lactic acidosis
• Sore mouth, blurred vision, pale or yellow skin
• Shortness of breath, rapid breath 
• Excessive tiredness, weakness or discomfort

Interactions

Metformin can interact with some foods or other medicines, including: 

• It can cause an increase in blood sugar levels by threat of lactic acidosis.
• Food can cause delays in the absorption of metformin with immediate-release tablets.
• Metformin reduces the absorption of lactate from the liver so a better way to avoid metformin in patients with liver dysfunction.
• Metformin may get in the way of the absorption of vitamin B 12 complex.

Brand Names

Sr no	Brand Name	Company	Price Per 10 Tablets
1	Glycomet 850	USV Ltd	₹ 51.45
2	Metadoze-IPR 850	Biocon	₹ 43
3	Glyciphage SR 850	Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd	₹ 50.55
4	Metasens 850	Anthem Biopharma	₹₹ 34.3
5	Orva 850	Astonea Labs Private Limited	₹ 47
6	Aciformin 850	Acidus Ojas Private Limited	₹ 32
7	Forday 850	Daxia Healthcare	₹ 37.6
8	Metwin 850	Ranmarc Labs	₹ 28
9	Arkamet Ipr 850	Arkas Pharma Pvt Ltd	₹ 58.5
10	Maxformin 850	Betamax Remedies	₹ 23

Disclaimer: The given information provided above is intentional for knowledge purpose only.

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