Glucophage Dosage
Generic name: metformin hydrochloride 500mg
Dosage forms: tablet, film coated, tablet, extended release
Drug class: Non-sulfonylureas
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 21, 2024.
Adult Dosage
GLUCOPHAGE
- The recommended starting dose of GLUCOPHAGE is 500 mg orally twice a day or 850 mg once a day, given with meals.
- Increase the dose in increments of 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks on the basis of glycemic control and tolerability, up to a maximum dose of 2550 mg per day, given in divided doses.
- Doses above 2000 mg may be better tolerated given 3 times a day with meals.
GLUCOPHAGE XR
- Swallow GLUCOPHAGE XR tablets whole and never crush, cut or chew.
- The recommended starting dose of GLUCOPHAGE XR is 500 mg orally once daily with the evening meal.
- Increase the dose in increments of 500 mg weekly on the basis of glycemic control and tolerability, up to a maximum of 2000 mg once daily with the evening meal.
- If glycemic control is not achieved with GLUCOPHAGE XR 2000 mg once daily, consider a trial of GLUCOPHAGE XR 1000 mg twice daily. If higher doses are required, switch to GLUCOPHAGE at total daily doses up to 2550 mg administered in divided daily doses, as described above.
- Patients receiving GLUCOPHAGE may be switched to GLUCOPHAGE XR once daily at the same total daily dose, up to 2000 mg once daily.
Pediatric Dosage for GLUCOPHAGE
- The recommended starting dose of GLUCOPHAGE for pediatric patients 10 years of age and older is 500 mg orally twice a day, given with meals.
- Increase dosage in increments of 500 mg weekly on the basis of glycemic control and tolerability, up to a maximum of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses twice daily.
Recommendations for Use in Renal Impairment
Assess renal function prior to initiation of GLUCOPHAGE/GLUCOPHAGE XR and periodically thereafter.
GLUCOPHAGE/GLUCOPHAGE XR is contraindicated in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2.
Initiation of GLUCOPHAGE/GLUCOPHAGE XR in patients with an eGFR between 30 – 45 mL/minute/1.73 m2 is not recommended.
In patients taking GLUCOPHAGE/GLUCOPHAGE XR whose eGFR later falls below 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, assess the benefit risk of continuing therapy.
Discontinue GLUCOPHAGE/GLUCOPHAGE XR if the patient’s eGFR later falls below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2
Discontinuation for Iodinated Contrast Imaging Procedures
Discontinue GLUCOPHAGE/GLUCOPHAGE XR at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart GLUCOPHAGE/GLUCOPHAGE XR if renal function is stable.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does metformin take to work?
- Can you take metformin without food?
- Why does Metformin smell like fish?
- How long does glucophage/Metformin stay in your system?
- What are the ingredient drugs contained in Qternmet XR?
- When is the best time to take metformin?
- What is the safest diabetes medication?
- Why does metformin cause diarrhea?
More about Glucophage (metformin)
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Patient resources
Other brands
Glumetza, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Riomet, Riomet ER
Professional resources
Other brands
Glumetza, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Riomet
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Further information
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