Product Description
Glucophage Tablet belongs to the oral hypoglycemics class that is used to control blood glucose levels.
Glucophage Tablet Formula
Glucophage Tablet contains Metformin which belongs to the class of medicines known as oral hypoglycemics.
Glucophage Tablet 250mg Uses
Type 2 Diabetes is prevalent all around the world. It occurs when either the pancreas isn’t making enough insulin or the cells have become resistant to insulin. It can affect your sleep and daily activities. Well, in that case, Glucophage Tablet can help you lessen the symptoms.
Glucophage is an anti-hyperglycemic drug and many doctors prescribe Glucophage tablets in cases of high glucose levels in the blood. It works by combating insulin resistance in the body resulting in the lowering of blood glucose levels.
Common uses of this medicine are:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Insulin Resistance
- Maturity Onset Diabetes Mellitus
- Polycystic Ovarian Disease
Doctors usually prescribe the drug to those who have Type 2 diabetes.
Glucophage Tablet Alternatives
There are alternatives to this drug present in the market, such as Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Tirzepatide, Januvia, Victoza, Glipizide, etc.
Medicinal Forms
Dosage and Administration
- Doctors recommend Glucophage dosages different for every type of patient and potency.
- The maximum dosage of the Glucophage Tablet depends on the potency of every tablet.
- You should take the medicine 30 minutes before the meal.
- Avoid crushing or chewing the tablet; swallow it whole with some water.
- It is important to stick to the prescribed schedule. But if you miss a dose of Glucophage Tablet, then take the dose as early as possible. But if it is almost the time of the next dose, then skip the previous one and take the next one. And follow the regular dosing schedule.
- Follow the dosing instructions as advised by your doctor.
Glucophage Side Effects
Some of the commonly occurring effects after taking the Glucophage Tablet are as follows:
- Hypoglycemia
- GI Upset
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal Pain
- Reduced Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Metallic Taste in Mouth
- Abnormal liver Function Tests
- Hepatitis
- Skin Reactions
- Reduced B12 Absorption
- Lactic Acidosis (rarely)
Risks and Warnings
There are some circumstances under which the use of medicine can be alarming. So before using the medicine, know its risks and warnings. Some of the risks and warnings associated with it are:
Mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding their babies should consult a doctor before taking this medicine. If you’ve gestational pregnancy, then you may need to take Glucophage during pregnancy. But, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider before taking any drugs.
- Allergic to Glucophage Tablet
If you’re allergic to Glucophage Tablet or any other drug like metformin, then do not take it. It can lead to a life-threatening condition. It is better to inform your doctor about any allergies you may have.
The kidney's function is to detoxify the body. So, in patients with kidney failure issues, if detoxification doesn't happen, the toxins may accumulate in the body and cause adverse effects. Therefore, people with kidney failure or metabolic acidosis should consult their doctor. The doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medicine.
- Before a CT Scan or X-Ray
If you need to have an X-ray or CT-Scan with a dye injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop the usage of Glucophage. However, do not stop the usage of the medicine on your own, instead talk to your doctor first.
Drug Interactions
When you take more than two drugs together, they can cause a reaction in the body. Sometimes the reaction is not obvious. But sometimes, it can cause adverse reactions. Therefore, it is better to consult your doctor before taking any other medicines along with Glucophage Tablet.
It may interact with the following drugs:
- Furosemide
- Nifedipine
- Cimetidine
- Ranitidine
- Amiloride
- Triamterene
- Digoxin
- Morphine
- Procainamide
- Quinidine
- Quinine
- Trimethoprim
- Vancomycin
- Isoniazid
- Diuretics (Water Pills)
- Steroids
- Heart Or Blood Pressure Medications
- Niacins
- Phenothiazines
- Thyroid Medicines
- Birth Control Pills
- Seizure Medicines
- Medicines To Treat Asthma, Colds, or Allergies
It is better to give a complete history of your allergies and medical conditions to your healthcare provider to avoid any drug interactions. It is advised not to stop taking the medicine on your own. Rather, inform your doctor and they can make the necessary changes.
Overdose of Glucophage Tablet
In case of overdose, the harmful effects can be lessened by using volume expansion, intravenous application of sodium bicarbonate, intermittent hemodialysis, and high-volume continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration with a bicarbonate substitute
Some of the symptoms of an overdose of Glucophage Tablet are:
- Lactic Acidosis
- Severe Drowsiness
- Hyperglycemia
- Severe Nausea/Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rapid Breathing
- Slow/Irregular Heartbeat
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dry place, and avoid refrigerating it
- Store it at room temperature (20–25°C)
- Keep it away from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture
- Keep it away from children and pets
- Do not use the medicine once it has passed its expiration date
- It is a prescription drug and it should be stored accordingly to prevent unauthorized access
