Metformin: Uses, Price, Dosage, Side Effects, Substitute, Buy Online

Metformin Benefits & Uses

Metformin is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Diabetes (Read More - 10 Home Remedies for Diabetes)

Metformin Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Diabetes Type 2 Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 500 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: Diabetes Type 2 Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 500 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: Diabetes Type 2 Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 500 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
2 - 12 years (Child)	Disease: Diabetes Type 2 Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 500 mg Dosage Form: Tablet (Immediate Release) Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor

Metformin Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Metformin is used -

Severe

Blurred vision

Moderate

Palpitations (fluttering in chest)
Chest Pain

Mild

Nausea or vomiting
Altered taste
Diarrhoea
पेट दर्द
Loss of appetite
Headache
पेट की गैस
Dyspepsia

Common

Stomach Upset
Difficulty urinating

Metformin Related Warnings

Is the use of Metformin safe for pregnant women?

Pregnant women may get mild side effects from Metformin.

Mild
Is the use of Metformin safe during breastfeeding?

Metformin may lead to some side effects in breastfeeding women. If you witness any unusal symptoms after taking Metformin, discontinue its use and call your doctor right away. Follow your doctor's advice regarding the use of Metformin.

Moderate
What is the effect of Metformin on the Kidneys?

Metformin does not damage the kidneys.

Safe
What is the effect of Metformin on the Liver?

Metformin is completely safe for the liver.

Safe
What is the effect of Metformin on the Heart?

Metformin is completely safe for the heart.

Safe

Severe Interaction of Metformin with Other Drugs

Metformin should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Diatrizoic Acid

Gatifloxacin

Moderate

Metformin Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Metformin unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Anemia
Shock
Heart Failure
Liver Disease
Heart Disease
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Drug Allergy
Kidney Disease

Frequently asked Questions about Metformin

Is this Metformin habit forming or addictive?

Forming a habit of Metformin has not been reported.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

Metformin will not make you feel sleepy or drowsy. So you drive or operate machinery safely.

Safe
Is it safe?

Yes, but consume Metformin only on doctor's advice.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

Metformin is unable to treat or cure mental disorders.

No

Metformin Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Metformin

Due to a lack of research, nothing can be said about the consequences of taking Metformin together with food.

Unknown
Interaction between Alcohol and Metformin

Consuming Metformin with alcohol can have many serious effects on your body.

Severe

Frequently asked Questions about Metformin

Question over 5 years ago

Does Metformin cause sweating?

Dr. Joydeep Sarkar MBBS , Cardiology, Neurology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Hepatology, Internal Medicine, Diabetology

Yes, Metformin can cause night sweat, the exact mechanism of sweating is not known. But some research suggests that Metformin causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) especially at night which can cause night sweats. Need to monitor your blood glucose level regularly, and talk to your doctor as your dose of Metformin may need to be adjusted.

Question about 5 years ago

Can Metformin cause alopecia (hair loss)?

Dr. Vipin Khadse MBBS , General Physician

Metformin is not a known cause of alopecia (hair loss). However, the conditions treated by Metformin type 2 diabetes and PCOS, often list hair loss as a possible symptom.

Question over 5 years ago

Does Metformin cause sleep problems?

Dr. Ayush Pandey MBBS, PG Diploma , General Physician

Yes, Metformin can cause some sleep problems, especially insomnia. On the other hand, Metformin has proven to be useful for preventing sleep apnea. The exact relationship between Metformin and sleep problems is still not clear, and further studies are needed for a clearer understanding.

Question over 5 years ago

How does Metformin help in weight loss?

Dr. Sameer Awadhiya MBBS , Pediatrics

Metformin helps in weight loss by reducing appetite and food intake. It also increases the insulin sensitivity in your body to work more effectively. This lead to decreased glucose production increases the use of glucose and decrease the fat deposition further helps in weight loss. However, Metformin is not approved for weight loss, this is an off-label use.

Question over 5 years ago

Does Metformin cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?

Dr. Ramraj MBBS , Other

Yes, Metformin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, this can also occur if you delay or miss a meal, drink alcohol, exercise more than usual, can't eat due to stomach upset, and taking other antidiabetic medicine with metformin. So, regular monitoring of blood glucose level is needed and be cautious of symptoms of hypoglycemia, always keep glucose-rich food with you.