Medicine Information

Glucerin

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

Tablet, Extended-Release750 mgAntidiabeticATC: A10BA02

Generic Name

Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release

Manufacturer

Hypothetical Pharma Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
glucerin 750 mg tablet	৳ 12.00	৳ 120.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Glucerin 750 mg Tablet is an oral antidiabetic medicine used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps to lower glucose production in the liver, decrease glucose absorption from the intestines, and improve insulin sensitivity.

Uses & Indications

Adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Used as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents or insulin.

Dosage

Adults

Initial dose is 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. Dose may be increased gradually in increments of 500 mg weekly, up to a maximum of 2000 mg once daily. Glucerin 750 mg is typically taken once daily with the evening meal.

Elderly

Cautious dose titration is recommended due to potential decreased renal function. Renal function should be monitored regularly.

Renal_impairment

Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²). Dose adjustments needed for eGFR 30-45 mL/min/1.73 m².

How to Take

Take Glucerin 750 mg Tablet orally once daily with the evening meal to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break it.

Mechanism of Action

Metformin, the active ingredient, primarily works by decreasing hepatic glucose production (gluconeogenesis), decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, and by improving insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. It does not stimulate insulin secretion and therefore does not cause hypoglycemia in monotherapy.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within a few days, full effect observed after 1-2 weeks.

Excretion

Excreted unchanged in the urine; primarily by renal tubular secretion.

Half life

Approximately 6.2 hours (for immediate release); for ER, effective half-life is longer due to sustained release.

Absorption

Slow and incomplete from the gastrointestinal tract; absolute bioavailability is 50-60%. Extended-release formulations are designed for slower absorption over time.

Metabolism

Not metabolized in the liver.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²).
Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma.
Known hypersensitivity to metformin hydrochloride or any component of the formulation.

Drug Interactions

Alcohol

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

Cationic drugs

Drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion (e.g., amiloride, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycin) can increase metformin concentrations by competing for common renal tubular transport systems.

Iodinated Contrast Agents

Temporarily discontinue Glucerin at the time of or prior to iodinated contrast imaging procedures in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m²; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Reevaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure and restart Glucerin if renal function is stable.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Topiramate or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide) can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

Storage

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

Overdose

Overdose of metformin can lead to lactic acidosis, a medical emergency that requires immediate hospitalization. Symptoms include malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, increasing somnolence, and abdominal distress. Treatment involves hemodialysis to remove metformin and correct acidosis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Limited data suggest metformin may be used in pregnancy when diet and exercise are insufficient. Consult your doctor for individualized advice. Small amounts of metformin are excreted in breast milk; consult your doctor regarding breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 Tablets (Blister Pack)30 Tablets (Blister Pack)

Shelf Life

36 months from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

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

Patent Status

Generic available

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Numerous clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of metformin in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, including its extended-release formulations, demonstrating sustained glycemic control and a favorable safety profile compared to placebo.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function (eGFR) should be assessed before initiating Glucerin and at least annually thereafter. More frequent monitoring is recommended in patients at risk of renal impairment.
Blood glucose and HbA1c levels to monitor glycemic control.
Hematologic parameters and Vitamin B12 levels periodically, especially in patients on long-term therapy or with risk factors for B12 deficiency.

Doctor Notes

Emphasize the importance of renal function monitoring, especially before initiating treatment and annually thereafter.
Educate patients on the symptoms of lactic acidosis and the need for immediate medical attention if suspected.
Advise patients about potential gastrointestinal side effects, particularly during the initial phase of treatment, and counsel on proper administration with food.
Consider vitamin B12 supplementation for patients on long-term therapy, especially those with pre-existing risk factors.

Patient Guidelines

Take Glucerin 750 mg once daily with the evening meal.
Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break it.
Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms of lactic acidosis such as unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, unusual stomach discomfort, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat.
Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels as advised by your doctor.
Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise routine.

Missed Dose Advice

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

Driving Precautions

Glucerin alone does not typically cause hypoglycemia and therefore usually does not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if used in combination with other antidiabetic agents that can cause hypoglycemia, caution is advised.

Lifestyle Advice

Follow a healthy diet plan recommended by your doctor or a dietitian.
Engage in regular physical activity to help manage blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.
Limit alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of lactic acidosis.
Quit smoking as it can worsen diabetes complications.