Medicine Information

Diafit

Name: Diafit
Brand: Diafit
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet500 mgOral Antidiabetic, BiguanideATC: A10BA02

Generic Name

Metformin Hydrochloride

Manufacturer

Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
diafit 500 mg tablet	৳ 4.00	৳ 40.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Diafit 500 mg Tablet is an oral antidiabetic medicine used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps to lower blood glucose levels by reducing glucose production in the liver, decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, and improving insulin sensitivity.

Uses & Indications

Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (off-label)

Prevention of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals

Dosage

Adults

Initial dose: 500 mg once or twice daily with meals. May be gradually increased to 2000 mg daily in divided doses. Maximum dose: 2550 mg daily.

Elderly

Initial dose and maintenance dose should be conservative due to potential for decreased renal function. Renal function monitoring is crucial.

Renal_impairment

Contraindicated if eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m². Dose adjustment required for eGFR 30-45 mL/min/1.73m².

How to Take

Take orally with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew.

Mechanism of Action

Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. It also decreases intestinal absorption of glucose and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. It activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within hours, full effect often seen after several days to weeks of therapy.

Excretion

Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine.

Half life

Approximately 6.2 hours (plasma elimination half-life), with a renal elimination half-life of 17.6 hours.

Absorption

Absolute bioavailability is approximately 50-60% after an oral dose. Food slightly delays and decreases the extent of absorption.

Metabolism

Not metabolized in the liver; excreted unchanged in the urine.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Metformin or any component of the formulation
Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²)
Metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma)
Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including lactic acidosis, with or without coma
Acute or chronic disease which may cause tissue hypoxia (e.g., cardiac failure, respiratory failure, recent myocardial infarction, shock)
Hepatic impairment
Alcohol intoxication

Drug Interactions

Alcohol

Potentiates the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis.

Iodinated contrast agents

Temporarily discontinue Metformin before or at the time of an iodinated contrast imaging procedure and for 48 hours after the procedure, or until renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be normal.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (e.g., topiramate, acetazolamide)

May increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

Drugs that reduce metformin clearance (e.g., cimetidine, ranolazine, dolutegravir)

May increase metformin plasma concentrations.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Overdose of Metformin can lead to lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms include malaise, myalgia, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal distress. Treatment involves supportive measures and hemodialysis for severe lactic acidosis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Limited data, consult doctor. Insulin is generally preferred for blood glucose control during pregnancy. Lactation: Metformin is excreted into breast milk; however, the amount is usually low. Consult doctor regarding breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets/strip30 tablets/box

Shelf Life

Typically 24-36 months from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics

Approval Status

Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Generic available (patent expired for original Metformin)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensively studied in numerous clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and safety in type 2 diabetes management, including landmark studies like the UKPDS.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function (eGFR) at least annually (more frequently in elderly or impaired renal function)
HbA1c levels regularly
Vitamin B12 levels periodically (especially with long-term use)

Doctor Notes

Emphasize patient education on lifestyle modifications.
Screen for renal function before initiating and annually thereafter.
Caution advised with concurrent use of drugs that may affect renal function or increase lactic acid production.

Patient Guidelines

Take with food to reduce stomach upset.
Do not stop taking without consulting your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.
Be aware of symptoms of lactic acidosis (e.g., unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, unusual stomach discomfort).

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

Metformin alone does not cause hypoglycemia, which typically impairs driving. However, if used in combination with other antidiabetic agents that can cause hypoglycemia, or if experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, caution is advised.