Generic Metformin tablets and extended release tablets are used to treat type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise are not enough to control blood sugar. The drug contains metformin hydrochloride as the active ingredient. It comes in different strengths for immediate and extended release. The starting dosage is 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily, increasing gradually up to 2000 mg per day depending on the formulation. Rare side effects include lactic acidosis which is more common in those with kidney problems.

1. Generic Metformin Tablets
Glycomet (Generic Metformin Tablets) and Exermet
XR or Glycomet SR (Metformin Extended Release
Tablets) are used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus
(non-insulin dependent diabetes) in adults, when
diet and exercise alone does not result in adequate
control of blood glucose levels. Generic Metformin is
also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary
syndrome (PCOS).
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2. Generic Metformin Tablets
Chemical Structure (Metformin)
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3. Generic Metformin Tablets
Generic Metformin is an oral antihyperglycemic
drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in
adults, particularly in overweight patients, when
dietary management and exercise alone does not
result in adequate glycaemic control.
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4. Generic Metformin Tablets
Active Ingredient
The active pharmaceutical ingredient
contained in Glycomet, Exermet
XR and Glycomet SR is Metformin
Hydrochloride.
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5. Generic Metformin Tablets
Strengths and Versions
Generic Metformin (normal Immediate
Release) is available in strengths of
250mg, 500 mg , 850 mg and 1000 mg
as Glycomet Tablets manufactured by
USV Limited .
It is also available as an Extended
Release (XR or ER) or Sustained
Release, also called Slow Release (SR)
version in the form of Exermet XR
available in strengths of 500 mg and
1000 mg manufactured by Cipla Limited
and Glycomet SR manufactured by
USV Limited.
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6. Generic Metformin Tablets
Strengths and Versions
The terms XR, ER and SR are
equivalent and refer to the same type
of product. There is no difference in
effectiveness between the Normal
and the Extended Release Generic
Metformin preparations, but the XR
version was introduced mainly to
counteract the most common
gastrointestinal side effects.
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7. Generic Metformin Tablets
Recommended Dosage
Adult Dosage (Generic Metformin):
The normal starting dose of Glycomet tablets
(Metformin Hydrochloride tablets) is 500 mg twice a
day or 850 mg once a day, given with meals.
Dosage increases should be made in increments of
500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks, up to a
total of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses.
Patients that require additional glycemic control,
may be given a maximum daily dose of 2550 mg
per day. Doses above 2000 mg may be better
tolerated given three times a day with meals.
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8. Generic Metformin Tablets
Recommended Dosage
Adult Dosage (Generic Metformin XR):
The usual initial dose for Glycomet SR or
Exermet XR (Metformin Hydrochloride extended-release
tablets) is 500 mg given orally, once or
twice daily, after meals. Dosage increases should
be made in increments of 500 mg weekly, up to a
maximum of 2000 mg daily in divided doses. If
glycemic control is not achieved with maximum
recommended dosages of Metformin 500 mg XR,
patients should be switched to conventional
Metformin Hydrochloride tablets and may receive up
to a maximum of 2550 mg per day in divided doses.
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9. Generic Metformin Tablets
Contraindications
Glycomet, Glycomet SR and
Exermet XR are contraindicated in
patients with the following
conditions:
➔Hypersensitivity to Metformin Hydrochloride or
to any inactive ingredient present in the
medication.
➔Contraindicated in cases of Renal dysfunction,
e.g., serum creatinine 1.5 mg/dL or more in
males, 1.4 mg/dL or more in females or abnormal
creatinine clearance
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10. Generic Metformin Tablets
Contraindications
Glycomet, Glycomet SR and Exermet XR
are contraindicated in patients with the
following conditions:
➔Contraindicated in cases of Metabolic acidosis,
including Diabetic ketoacidosis with or without
coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with
insulin.
➔Patients undergoing radiologic studies involving
intravascular administration of iodinated contrast
materials, because use of such products may
result in acute alteration of renal function.
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11. Generic Metformin Tablets
Side Effects of Generic Metformin
The most commonly observed side effects
associated with the use of Generic Metformin
and Generic Metformin XR were Diarrhea,
Nausea, Vomiting, Flatulence, Asthenia,
Indigestion, Abdominal Discomfort and
Headache.
The uncommon side effects include abnormal
stools, hypoglycemia, myalgia, lightheaded,
dyspnea, nail disorder, rash, sweating
increased, taste disorder, chest discomfort,
chills, flu syndrome, flushing, palpitation.
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12. Generic Metformin Tablets
Side Effects of Generic Metformin
Lactic Acidosis:
Lactic acidosis is a rare, but serious,
metabolic complication that can occur due to
Metformin accumulation during treatment
with Generic Metformin and Generic
Metformin XR.
When it has occurred with Metformin, it is
generally accepted that the lactic acidosis
was usually in patients whose conditions
contraindicated the use of Metformin,
particularly those with renal impairment.
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13. Generic Metformin Tablets
Warnings And Precautions
➔Lactic acidosis is a rare, but serious metabolic
complication that can occur due to Metformin
accumulation during treatment with Generic Metformin
and Generic Metformin XR.
➔Temporarily discontinue Generic Metformin and Generic
Metformin XR in patients undergoing radiologic studies
with intravascular administration of iodinated contrast
materials or any surgical procedures necessitating
restricted intake of food or fluids.
➔Metformin is known to be substantially excreted by the
kidney, and the risk of metformin accumulation and lactic
acidosis increases with the degree of impairment of renal
function. Thus, patients with serum creatinine levels above
the upper limit of normal for their age should not receive
Generic Metformin and Generic Metformin XR.
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14. Generic Metformin Tablets
Warnings And Precautions
➔Vitamin B12 deficiency: Metformin may lower
Vitamin B12 levels. Measure hematologic parameters
annually.
➔Before initiating treatment with Generic Metformin
and Generic Metformin XR and at least annually
thereafter, assess renal function and verify as normal.
➔Concomitant medication(s) that may affect renal
function or result in significant hemodynamic change
or may interfere with the disposition of metformin,
such as cationic drugs that are eliminated by renal
tubular secretion.
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15. Generic Metformin Tablets
Overdose Symptoms
Overdose of Metformin Hydrochloride has
occurred, including ingestion of amounts
greater than 50 grams.
Hypoglycaemia was reported in approximately
10% of cases, but no causal association with
Metformin Hydrochloride has been established.
Lactic acidosis has been reported in
approximately 32% of Metformin overdose
cases.
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16. Generic Metformin Tablets
Overdose Treatment
Metformin HCl is dialysable with a
clearance of up to 170 mL/min under
good haemodynamic conditions .
Therefore, haemodialysis may be useful
for removal of accumulated medicine
from patients in whom Metformin
overdosage is suspected.
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17. Generic Metformin Tablets
Glycomet and Glycomet SR Tablets
manufactured by USV Limited
Exermet XR Tablets
manufactured by Cipla Limited
For more information click here
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