Metformin HCl Drug and Prescription Information, Side Effects, Use, and Dosage

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What's the difference? I have two different pills that are supposed to be metformin HCL ER 500 MG. One has 48 on one side and 93 on the other.  The other pill has 142 on one side.  Are they the same pill by different companies? by Robert Ferguson in Louisiana, 10/12/2009

Metformin vs Metformin HCI I wanted to know if there is any difference between the two. What does the HCI stand for? by Grettel Golson in Ft. Lauderdal, FL, 04/16/2007

Metformin HCl Dosage? My doctor has prescribed 3 tablets a day; she has said ok to take all at once or 3 times a day - if these are extended release, am I better off taking all at once. I am taking this for insulin resistance condition. by Claudia Lammert in St. Louis, MO, 06/01/2006

Weight loss with Metformin HCl I was put on this drug to help cravings and for surpressing my appitite. How does this work. Does it break down the sugar's in my body? Please write back. and have you heard of this medication for this reason? Thanks Debbie by Debbie in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, 01/18/2006

metformin hcl i take 500 mg of metformin, i just recently started. everyday since the 3rd day i feel very weak and runned down, i stopped the metformin for 2 days and now i feel fine,could this be that metformin is not a good medicine for me by Dina in united states, 07/05/2006

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Metformin HCl (Oral) Drug and Prescription Information

Metformin HCl (Oral)

Metformin HCl (Oral) Medication Classification

METFORMIN (By mouth)

Metformin HCl (Oral) Brandname

Glucophage XR, Glucophage, Metformin HCl, Fortamet, Riomet

Metformin HCl (Oral) is used for the Treatment

Metformin (met-FOR-min) Used with diet or other medicines to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.

When To Not Use Metformin HCl (Oral)

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to metformin, if you have kidney disease or metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis), or if you are also taking medicine for congestive heart failure.

How Should You Use Metformin HCl (Oral)

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • It is best to take the tablet with food.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
    • If a dose is missed:
  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Proper Metformin HCl (Oral) Storage

Store Metformin HCl (Oral) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Metformin HCl (Oral) and all medications out of the reach of children.

What To Avoid While Using Metformin HCl (Oral)

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • There are many other drugs that can interact with metformin. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using, especially Tagamet®, Dilantin®, isoniazid, vancomycin, nicotinic acid (niacin), estrogens, birth control pills, thyroid medicine, diuretics (water pills), heart medicine, steroids such as prednisone, or any cold medicines.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are taking metformin.

Metformin HCl (Oral) Warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, or an adrenal or pituitary gland disorder.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
  • You may need to stop using this medicine several days before and after having medical tests or surgery. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an X-ray or CT scan.
  • You may have low blood sugar if you are also taking other medicines for diabetes. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, shaking, weakness, anxiety, drowsiness, extreme hunger, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, confusion, or a headache that won't go away.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • If you get sick, call your doctor for instructions, especially if you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fever.

Metformin HCl (Oral) Side Effects

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Extreme thirst, changes in urination, or hot, dry skin
  • Muscle pain, trouble breathing, upset stomach, slow or irregular heartbeat, or feeling dizzy, cold, uncomfortable, or weak
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain after you have been taking this medicine for a long time
    • If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
  • Metallic taste in your mouth
  • Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite when starting treatment or changing doses