- How to take
- 1. Type 2 diabetes
- 2. Type 1 diabetes
- 3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- What is the mechanism of action
- Who should not use
- Possible side effects
- Does metformin lose weight?
Metformin hydrochloride is a drug indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, alone or in combination with other oral antidiabetics and can also be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, as a supplement to insulin.
In addition, this medication can also be used to treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which is a condition that is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty in becoming pregnant. Learn how to identify.
Metformin can be purchased in pharmacies for a price of about 5 to 20 reais, depending on the dose, size of the packaging and brand of the drug, requiring the presentation of a prescription.
How to take
The tablets should be taken during or after a meal, starting treatment with small doses that can be gradually increased, which allows to reduce the occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects. The tablets should be taken at breakfast, in case of a single daily intake, at breakfast and at dinner, in case of two doses per day and at breakfast, lunch and dinner, in case of three daily doses.
Metformin is available in 500 mg, 850 mg and 1000 mg tablets. The dosage depends on the problem to be treated:
1. Type 2 diabetes
For adults with type 2 diabetes, who are not insulin dependent, metformin can be used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, such as sulfonylureas. The starting dose is 500 mg or 850 mg, twice a day and if necessary, this dose can be increased weekly to a maximum of 2, 500 mg.
In children over 10 years old, the starting dose is 500 mg daily, and the maximum daily dose should not exceed 2, 000 mg.
2. Type 1 diabetes
For adults with type 1 diabetes, who are dependent on insulin, metformin and insulin can be used in combination, in order to obtain better glycemic control. Metformin should be administered at the usual starting dose of 500 mg or 850 mg, 2 to 3 times a day, while the insulin dose should be adjusted based on blood glucose values.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The dosage is usually 1, 000 to 1, 500 mg per day divided into 2 or 3 doses. Treatment should be started at a low dose and the dose may be gradually increased each week until the desired dosage is reached. In some cases, it may be necessary to use 1 tablet of 850 mg, 2 to 3 times a day. For the presentation of 1 g, it is recommended to use 1 to 2 tablets daily.
What is the mechanism of action
People with diabetes do not produce enough insulin or are unable to use the insulin produced correctly, causing high blood glucose levels to circulate.
Metformin works by reducing these abnormal blood glucose levels to levels closer to normal.
Who should not use
Metformin hydrochloride should not be used by people with hypersensitivity to metformin or the other components of the formula, with liver or kidney problems, uncontrolled diabetes, with severe hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis.
In addition, it should also not be used in people with dehydration, serious infections, are undergoing treatment for heart problems, have recently suffered a heart attack, serious circulatory problems or breathing difficulties, consume excessive alcohol, have undergone elective surgery or examination using contrast medium containing iodine.
This medication should also not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers or children under 10 without medical advice.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur during treatment with metformin are digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the belly, loss of appetite and changes in taste.
Does metformin lose weight?
In clinical studies, metformin has been associated with either stabilization of body weight or slight weight loss. However, this medication should not be used for this purpose, unless directed by the doctor, as it can cause side effects.
