Glucophage

Glucophage (Metformin): Uses, Dosages, Side effects, Price, Coupons

• Active Ingredients: Metformin, also known as Metformine
• Drug Category: Anti-diabetic drug
• Uses: It is used to treat diabetes mellitus type 2 and recommended for type 1 diabetes.
• Related Drugs: Precose, Diamicron

1Why is Glucophage prescribed?

Glucophage is an oral antidiabetic medication that contains metformin as an active ingredient. It is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus by lowering the production of sugar in blood or by increasing the sensitivity of Muscle cells to insulin. It can be used as monotherapy as well as in combination therapy. 

2How to use it?

Glucophage can be taken with meals to avoid any gastric side effects. Swallow the tablet as whole with a full glass of water, don't chew, crush or break the tablet. It is better to take the doses as recommended by your physician to avoid non compliance. It is used with diet and exercise to improve control of blood sugar level in adults.

3What if I miss a dose or overdose?

If you miss or skip a dose, then the blood sugar level of your body is gradually increasing and leads to hyperglycemia and shows some side effects that need urgent medical supervision. Don't take both the doses at a time to catch up the missed dose. Consult your physician if you forget to take any dose of drug. 

Overdose of Glucophage may lead to lowering of blood sugar level that may show some moderate to severe side effects. These effects may include Blurred vision, weakness, hypersensitivity, seizures, confusion etc. If you realize that you take an overdose of Glucophage then call your physician or any poison control centre right away or without any delay. 

4Glucophage Side-effects:

Some unwanted effects of glucophage are shown that include myalgia (muscles pain),asthenia (physical weakness), flatulence, or GI complaints. Consult your health care provider if you realise any serious side effect.

5Glucophage Drug Interactions:

Metformin is a drug that can be prescribed with some other medication to enhance the efficacy of the drug. Some interactions are beneficial for us whereas some may show adverse effects that may be fatal. So to avoid any type of interaction take all the precautions that are given by your physician. Glucophage may interact with some other diabetic medications, antibiotics, antihypertensive, antidepressants, blood thinners, alpha beta blockers etc. 

6Precautions on taking Glucophage:

• Avoid alcohol. 
• Avoid driving and any other work that needs alertness. 
• Glucophage tablets should be used with caution in patients with renal or cardiac impairment. 
• Describe your proper medical history to your physician. 
• Don't take or stop the medication without consulting your physician.