TabletsClinical Overview
Metformin Hydrochloride is the foundational first-line biguanide oral antihyperglycemic agent on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the liver, suppressing mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I, thereby potently inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, while stimulating peripheral glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and delaying intestinal glucose absorption. Does not stimulate beta-cell insulin secretion, having zero intrinsic hypoglycemia risk and promoting weight neutrality or mild weight loss. Indicated as the initial pharmacological drug of choice for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children aged 10 and older, and off-label in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally with or immediately after meals (breakfast and dinner) with a full glass of water. Starting with a low dose (500 mg once or twice daily) and titrating slowly over weeks substantially reduces gastrointestinal side effects. Swallow sustained-release/prolonged-release tablets whole; do not break, chew, or crush.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, flatulence, anorexia, metallic taste, vitamin B12 deficiency with prolonged use. Rare/Severe: Boxed warning: Lactic acidosis (rare but life-threatening accumulation with 50% mortality); acute kidney injury, and severe megaloblastic anemia.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black box warning: Lactic acidosis; risk is heightened in renal impairment, sepsis, acute congestive heart failure, and heavy alcohol intake. Contraindicated if eGFR < 30 mL/min; dose should not exceed 1000 mg/day if eGFR is 30-44 mL/min. Must be withheld temporarily at the time of or prior to iodinated radiocontrast imaging procedures and for 48 hours post-procedure until renal function is re-evaluated. Periodic serum vitamin B12 monitoring is advised.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered endocrinologist, diabetologist, or qualified physician before initiating, adjusting dosages of, or substituting any antidiabetic or hormonal medication.
Metformin Hydrochloride Prolonged-release 500mg + Glimepiride 2mg Tablets
Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride is a cornerstone dual-action antidiabetic combination on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Metformin acts as an insulin-sensitizing biguanide that reduces excessive hepatic glucose output and improves peripheral glucose uptake without causing hypoglycemia or weight gain, while glimepiride acts as an insulin secretagogue, binding to SUR1 receptors on pancreatic beta-cell membranes to stimulate physiological postprandial insulin release. Indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise in type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by metformin alone.
Glibenclamide Tablets 2.5 mg
Second-generation sulfonylurea oral antidiabetic on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Stimulates pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion by blocking ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Indicated for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Glibenclamide Tablets 5 mg
Second-generation sulfonylurea oral antidiabetic on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. Stimulates pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion by blocking ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Indicated for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Metformin Hydrochloride Sustained Release Tablets 1000 mg
Metformin Hydrochloride is the foundational first-line biguanide oral antihyperglycemic agent on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the liver, suppressing mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I, thereby potently inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, while stimulating peripheral glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and delaying intestinal glucose absorption. Does not stimulate beta-cell insulin secretion, having zero intrinsic hypoglycemia risk and promoting weight neutrality or mild weight loss. Indicated as the initial pharmacological drug of choice for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children aged 10 and older, and off-label in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).