Drug | Tablet

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (to control blood glucose), Prediabetes/insulin resistance (if prescribed)

Metformin lowers glucose production by the liver and improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin. It also reduces intestinal absorption of glucose, helping reduce fasting and post‑meal blood sugar levels.

Oral tablet. Take exactly as prescribed, usually with or after meals to reduce stomach upset. Swallow with water; do not crush unless advised. Maintain diet and exercise along with therapy.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, metallic taste, flatulence, headache

Risk of lactic acidosis (rare but serious) especially with kidney impairment, dehydration, severe infection, shock, heavy alcohol use, or heart/liver failure—seek urgent care for rapid breathing, severe weakness, abdominal pain, or drowsiness. Dose adjustment/avoid in reduced kidney function; periodic eGFR monitoring needed. Stop temporarily before iodinated contrast imaging and major surgery as advised. Long-term use may cause vitamin B12 deficiency; monitor if anaemia/neuropathy. Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Alcohol (increases lactic acidosis risk), iodinated contrast media, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., topiramate, acetazolamide), cimetidine, diuretics, corticosteroids, thyroid hormones, sympathomimetics, antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine), other antidiabetic medicines/insulin (may increase hypoglycaemia risk when combined)

Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.

Glycomet 500 Tablet, Metlong 500 Tablet, Obimet 500 Tablet, Bigomet 500 Tablet, Gluformin 500 Tablet