Metsa
Generic Name
Metformin Hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| metsa 500 mg tablet | ৳ 3.01 | ৳ 30.10 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in overweight patients, and can be used alone or with other medications.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose: 500 mg orally once or twice daily with meals. Gradually increase to a maximum of 2500 mg per day.
Elderly
Use with caution. Dosage should be individualized based on renal function. Generally, lower starting doses are recommended.
Renal_impairment
Dose adjustment required based on eGFR. Contraindicated if eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m².
How to Take
Take orally with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Swallow tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or break extended-release tablets.
Mechanism of Action
Reduces hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within a few days, full therapeutic effect usually achieved within 1-2 weeks.
Excretion
Excreted unchanged in the urine via renal tubular secretion.
Half life
Approximately 6.2 hours (plasma elimination half-life).
Absorption
Slowly and incompletely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Absolute bioavailability is approximately 50-60%.
Metabolism
Not metabolized by the liver; excreted unchanged.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²)
- Metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis)
- Known hypersensitivity to metformin
- Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma
Drug Interactions
Cimetidine
May increase metformin plasma concentrations, requiring dosage adjustment.
Iodinated contrast media
Temporarily discontinue metformin at the time of or prior to an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or a history of liver disease or congestive heart failure. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the procedure and restart metformin if renal function is stable.
Diuretics (especially loop diuretics)
May increase the risk of lactic acidosis by impairing renal function.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include lactic acidosis, which requires emergency medical attention. Hemodialysis may be necessary to remove metformin from the blood.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor. Generally, insulin is preferred for managing diabetes during pregnancy. Lactation: Metformin is excreted into breast milk. Benefits of breastfeeding versus potential risks to the infant should be considered.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²)
- Metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis)
- Known hypersensitivity to metformin
- Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma
Drug Interactions
Cimetidine
May increase metformin plasma concentrations, requiring dosage adjustment.
Iodinated contrast media
Temporarily discontinue metformin at the time of or prior to an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or a history of liver disease or congestive heart failure. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the procedure and restart metformin if renal function is stable.
Diuretics (especially loop diuretics)
May increase the risk of lactic acidosis by impairing renal function.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include lactic acidosis, which requires emergency medical attention. Hemodialysis may be necessary to remove metformin from the blood.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor. Generally, insulin is preferred for managing diabetes during pregnancy. Lactation: Metformin is excreted into breast milk. Benefits of breastfeeding versus potential risks to the infant should be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Usually 24 to 36 months from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials, including the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), have demonstrated metformin's efficacy in reducing diabetes-related complications and mortality.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function (eGFR) at least annually (more frequently for elderly or impaired patients)
- HbA1c levels regularly to assess glycemic control
- Vitamin B12 levels periodically, especially in long-term users or those with risk factors for deficiency
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) in conjunction with metformin therapy.
- Educate patients on the symptoms of lactic acidosis and when to seek emergency care.
- Monitor renal function before initiating and annually during treatment, more frequently in at-risk patients.
- Consider vitamin B12 supplementation for long-term users, especially those with anemia or peripheral neuropathy.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Metformin with food to minimize stomach upset.
- Do not stop taking Metformin without consulting your doctor.
- Be aware of the symptoms of lactic acidosis (e.g., unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, unusual stomach discomfort, dizziness) and seek immediate medical help if they occur.
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Metformin alone does not usually cause hypoglycemia and should not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if used in combination with other antidiabetic agents that can cause hypoglycemia (e.g., sulfonylureas, insulin), caution is advised.
Lifestyle Advice
- Adopt a balanced diet low in refined sugars and saturated fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity (e.g., 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week).
- Monitor blood glucose levels regularly as advised by your doctor.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
Other Medicines in Metsa Brand
Other medicines available under the same brand name
