Medicine Information

Glucomin-XR

Name: Glucomin-XR
Brand: Glucomin-XR
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Extended-Release Tablet500 mgAntidiabetic, BiguanideATC: A10BA02

Generic Name

Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
glucomin xr 500 mg tablet	৳ 6.00	৳ 48.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Glucomin-XR 500 mg Tablet is an oral antidiabetic medicine used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to the biguanide class and works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity.

Uses & Indications

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

To improve glycemic control in adults.

Dosage

Adults

Initial dose: 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. May be increased by 500 mg weekly to a maximum of 2000 mg once daily. Max daily dose: 2500 mg.

Elderly

Cautious dose titration due to potential decreased renal function. Generally start with a lower dose.

Renal_impairment

Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min). Dose adjustment required for eGFR 30-60 mL/min.

How to Take

Take orally once daily with the evening meal. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break.

Mechanism of Action

Metformin works primarily by decreasing hepatic glucose production (gluconeogenesis), decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, and improving insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. It does not stimulate insulin secretion.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Onset of action typically occurs within hours, full effect takes several days to weeks.

Excretion

Excreted unchanged in the urine, primarily via renal tubular secretion.

Half life

Plasma elimination half-life is approximately 6.5 hours for immediate-release, but effective half-life for XR can be longer due to sustained release.

Absorption

Metformin XR has a slower and prolonged absorption compared to immediate-release. Bioavailability is approximately 50-60%. Food can affect absorption.

Metabolism

Metformin is not metabolized in the liver (no hepatic metabolism).

Side Effects

Contraindications

Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
Metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis), with or without coma
Known hypersensitivity to metformin HCl
History of lactic acidosis

Drug Interactions

Alcohol

Increases the risk of lactic acidosis.

Iodinated contrast agents

Temporarily discontinue metformin at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m², a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast.

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

May increase risk of lactic acidosis.

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

May increase metformin levels and risk of lactic acidosis.

Storage

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

Overdose

Overdose of metformin can lead to lactic acidosis, especially in the presence of predisposing factors. Treatment is primarily supportive. Hemodialysis is the most effective means of removing metformin and lactate from the blood.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Limited data. Consider insulin for managing diabetes during pregnancy. Lactation: Metformin is excreted into breast milk. Monitor infants for hypoglycemia. Weigh benefits against risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

30 tablets (3x10's)50 tablets (5x10's)

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals

Approval Status

Approved

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials support the efficacy and safety of metformin in type 2 diabetes, including studies specifically on extended-release formulations demonstrating improved tolerability and once-daily dosing advantages.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function (eGFR) prior to initiation and at least annually thereafter (more frequently in elderly or impaired renal function).
Vitamin B12 levels periodically, especially in patients with risk factors for deficiency or long-term use.
Glycemic control (HbA1c, fasting and postprandial glucose).

Doctor Notes

Emphasize the importance of renal function monitoring.
Educate patients on the symptoms of lactic acidosis.
Consider vitamin B12 supplementation for long-term users, especially those with risk factors for deficiency.

Patient Guidelines

Take your medicine exactly as prescribed.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
Inform your doctor about all other medications and supplements you are taking.
Report any signs of lactic acidosis immediately (e.g., unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, fatigue).

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, 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.

Driving Precautions

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