Product Description

Metformin Hydrochloride Prolonged-release 500mg & Glimepiride 2mg Tablets IP is a combination anti-diabetic medication for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It combines a biguanide (Metformin) that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production, with a sulfonylurea (Glimepiride) that stimulates insulin release. This formulation is used when diet, exercise, and single-agent therapy are insufficient to control blood sugar, helping prevent complications like heart disease and neuropathy.

Uses

• Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, to lower blood glucose levels when lifestyle modifications and monotherapy with Metformin or Glimepiride are inadequate.

• Adjunctive therapy to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular events or kidney damage.

How it works

Metformin Hydrochloride Prolonged-release 500mg & Glimepiride 2mg Tablets IP combines two mechanisms for comprehensive blood sugar control:

• Metformin Hydrochloride (500 mg, prolonged-release): Reduces hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal glucose absorption, and improves insulin sensitivity. The prolonged-release formulation ensures steady release, minimizing side effects like gastrointestinal upset.

• Glimepiride (2 mg): Stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin by closing ATP-sensitive potassium channels, lowering blood glucose through increased insulin secretion.

Together, they provide additive effects: Metformin addresses insulin resistance, while Glimepiride boosts insulin production, with an onset of 1–2 hours and sustained effects for 24 hours.

Benefits

• Effective glycemic control: Lowers HbA1c by 1–2% in clinical trials, reducing fasting and post-meal glucose levels.

• Complementary action: Combines insulin sensitization with secretion enhancement, improving outcomes in patients not controlled on single therapy.

• Convenient dosing: Once-daily prolonged-release tablet enhances adherence, with studies showing better long-term blood sugar management and reduced risk of hypoglycemia compared to immediate-release formulations.

How to use

Take Metformin Hydrochloride Prolonged-release 500mg & Glimepiride 2mg Tablets IP exactly as prescribed, usually once daily with a meal to reduce stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, break, or chew it, as this affects the prolonged-release mechanism. Start with the lowest dose and adjust based on blood sugar monitoring. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but skip if it's near the next dose—do not double up. Always combine with a diabetic diet and exercise plan.

Side Effects

Common side effects (often transient and manageable):

• Metabolic: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), with symptoms like sweating, shakiness, or confusion.

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, bloating, or diarrhea.

• Neurological: Headache, dizziness.

• Other: Weight gain, metallic taste, rash, or vitamin B12 deficiency (with long-term use).

Seek medical help if side effects persist or include lactic acidosis (rare but serious with Metformin).

Safety Advice

• Alcohol Interaction: Avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis (with Metformin) and hypoglycemia (with Glimepiride).

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Classified as Pregnancy Category C (animal studies show risks, and human data are limited), so use only if the benefits outweigh risks. Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential fetal harm; consult your doctor if breastfeeding, as both drugs may pass into breast milk.

• Other Precautions: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment, as dose adjustments are needed (e.g., avoid Metformin in severe renal disease). Monitor for hypoglycemia regularly, especially in the elderly. Inform your doctor of all medications to avoid interactions (e.g., with beta-blockers or sulfonamides). Not suitable for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Regular blood tests (e.g., for kidney function and vitamin B12 levels) are advised due to long-term risks.

• Lifestyle Advice: Follow a low-sugar diet, exercise regularly, and monitor blood sugar. Do not drive if experiencing hypoglycemia symptoms.

Storage Conditions

Store at a temperature below 86°F (30 °C). Protect from light and moisture.

FAQs

Can alcohol be consumed while taking this medication?

No. Consuming alcohol can significantly increase the risk of both hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis and should be avoided.

What should be done if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Who should not take this medication?

Do not take this medication if you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or severe kidney, liver, or heart problems. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

What should be done during surgery or imaging procedures?

Inform your doctor if any surgery involving general anesthesia or imaging procedures involving an iodinated contrast agent are scheduled. Your doctor may temporarily stop your treatment to avoid complications.

How long is this medication needed?

Treatment for type 2 diabetes is typically long-term. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting a doctor, as this can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration and dosage for treatment.