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Metformin Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2024.

Applies to the following strengths: 500 mg; 750 mg; 850 mg; 1000 mg; 500 mg/5 mL; 625 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Usual Pediatric Dose for:

Additional dosage information:

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2

Immediate-release:
Initial dose: 500 mg orally twice a day or 850 mg orally once a day

Maintenance dose: 2000 mg/day in divided doses
Maximum dose: 2550 mg/day

Extended-release:
Initial dose: 500 to 1000 mg orally once a day
Dose titration: Increase in 500 mg increments weekly as tolerated
Maximum dose: 2000 mg/day

Switching to Extended-Release:

Comments:

Use: To improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Diabetes Type 2

10 years or older:
Immediate-release:
Initial dose: 500 mg orally twice a day

Maximum dose: 2000 mg/day

Extended-release oral suspension:
Initial dose: 500 mg orally once a day with evening meal
Maximum dose: 2000 mg/day

Comments:

Use: To improve glycemic control in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Obtain eGFR prior to initiating therapy:


IODINATED CONTRAST PROCEDURE: See Dosage Adjustment Section

Liver Dose Adjustments

Not recommended in patients with liver impairment

IODINATED CONTRAST PROCEDURE: See Dosage Adjustment Section

Dose Adjustments

Elderly, debilitated, and malnourished patients: Titration to the maximum dose is generally not recommended.

IODINATED CONTRAST PROCEDURE:
Stop this drug at the time of, or before imaging procedure:

Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after procedure; restart therapy only if renal function is stable.

Concomitant use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues:

Concomitant Insulin Therapy:

Therapeutic drug monitoring/range: Steady-state plasma concentrations are achieved within 24 to 48 hours and are generally less than 1 mcg/mL. Metformin levels greater than 5 mcg/mL have been implicated as the cause of lactic acidosis.

Precautions

US BOXED WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS


CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 10 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

EXTENDED-RELEASE (ER): Take with evening meal

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:

Storage:

General:

Monitoring:

Patient advice:

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.