Minirfor
Generic Name
Metformin Hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Reputable Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| minirfor 850 mg tablet | ৳ 6.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Minirfor 850 mg Tablet contains Metformin Hydrochloride, an oral antidiabetic medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps lower blood glucose levels by reducing glucose production in the liver, decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, and improving insulin sensitivity.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose: 500 mg once or twice daily, or 850 mg once daily with meals. May be increased gradually to a maximum of 2550 mg daily in divided doses. Minirfor 850 mg is typically taken once or twice daily with meals.
Elderly
Dosage should be individualized based on renal function (eGFR). Lower starting doses and careful monitoring are recommended due to potential decreased renal function.
Renal_impairment
Metformin is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m². Dose reduction or discontinuation may be necessary if eGFR is 30-45 mL/min/1.73 m².
How to Take
Take Minirfor 850 mg tablet orally with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Mechanism of Action
Metformin primarily acts by decreasing hepatic glucose production (gluconeogenesis) and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues (skeletal muscle and adipose tissue), leading to increased glucose uptake and utilization. It also delays intestinal glucose absorption. Unlike sulfonylureas, it does not stimulate insulin secretion and therefore does not cause hypoglycemia in monotherapy.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Glycemic effects typically begin within a few days, with full effect observed after 1-2 weeks.
Excretion
Excreted primarily by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.
Half life
Plasma elimination half-life is approximately 4-9 hours.
Absorption
Oral bioavailability is about 50-60%. Absorption is incomplete and can be decreased by food. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 2-3 hours for immediate-release formulations.
Metabolism
Metformin is not metabolized in the liver and is excreted unchanged.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Hypersensitivity to metformin or any component of the formulation
- •Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
- •Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma
- •Acute conditions with potential to alter renal function (e.g., dehydration, severe infection, shock)
- •Hepatic impairment
- •Heart failure requiring pharmacological intervention
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
Iodinated contrast agents
Temporarily suspend metformin before or at the time of an iodinated contrast imaging procedure 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. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure and restart metformin if renal function is stable.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., topiramate, acetazolamide)
May increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Drugs affecting glycemic control (e.g., corticosteroids, diuretics, beta-2 agonists)
May require adjustment of metformin dosage.
Cationic drugs (e.g., amiloride, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycin) that are eliminated by renal tubular secretion
May increase metformin levels.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose of metformin may lead to lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms include malaise, myalgia, respiratory distress, increasing somnolence, and abdominal pain. Treatment involves immediate medical attention, hospitalization, and often hemodialysis to remove metformin and correct acidosis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Limited data suggest that metformin use during pregnancy is generally safe and may be considered for gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes if benefits outweigh risks. Consult a doctor. Lactation: Metformin is excreted into human milk. While studies suggest low infant exposure and minimal risk, consult a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24-36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Approval Status
Approved by FDA (USA) and DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesAlternative Medicines in Bangladesh
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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