Obemet
Generic Name
Metformin Hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Opsonin Pharma Limited
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
obemet 500 mg tablet | ৳ 4.00 | ৳ 40.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Obemet 500 mg Tablet contains Metformin Hydrochloride, an oral antidiabetic medication used to control high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps improve the body's response to insulin.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose is 500 mg once or twice daily with meals. May be gradually increased to a maximum of 2000-2550 mg daily in divided doses. Titrate dosage based on glycemic control and tolerability.
Elderly
Initiate with a low dose and titrate cautiously due to potential for decreased renal function. Renal function should be monitored regularly.
Renal_impairment
Contraindicated if eGFR < 30 mL/min. Dose adjustments required for eGFR 30-60 mL/min. Consult physician.
How to Take
Take Obemet 500 mg Tablet orally with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew.
Mechanism of Action
Metformin works by decreasing glucose production by the liver, decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, and improving insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. It does not stimulate insulin secretion and therefore does not cause hypoglycemia in non-diabetic individuals.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Effects begin within days, full therapeutic effects typically seen within 2 weeks.
Excretion
Excreted unchanged in the urine; renal excretion is the major route of elimination.
Half life
Plasma elimination half-life is approximately 4-9 hours.
Absorption
Absolute bioavailability is approximately 50-60%. Food decreases and slightly delays the absorption of metformin.
Metabolism
Metformin is not metabolized in the liver.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
- Metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hypersensitivity to metformin hydrochloride
- Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma
- Hepatic impairment, acute myocardial infarction, severe heart failure, alcoholism
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Potentiates the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis.
Iodinated contrast agents
Increased risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin should be temporarily discontinued before or at the time of the procedure and withheld for at least 48 hours afterward.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (e.g., topiramate, zonisamide)
Can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Drugs that reduce metformin clearance (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, amiloride, trimethoprim)
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 may lead to lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms include malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Management involves hemodialysis to remove metformin and correct acidosis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Insulin is generally preferred for managing diabetes during pregnancy. Small amounts of metformin are excreted in breast milk; consult a doctor before breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
- Metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hypersensitivity to metformin hydrochloride
- Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma
- Hepatic impairment, acute myocardial infarction, severe heart failure, alcoholism
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Potentiates the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis.
Iodinated contrast agents
Increased risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin should be temporarily discontinued before or at the time of the procedure and withheld for at least 48 hours afterward.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (e.g., topiramate, zonisamide)
Can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Drugs that reduce metformin clearance (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, amiloride, trimethoprim)
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 may lead to lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms include malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Management involves hemodialysis to remove metformin and correct acidosis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Insulin is generally preferred for managing diabetes during pregnancy. Small amounts of metformin are excreted in breast milk; consult a doctor before breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. Refer to the packaging for exact expiry date.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved (FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent, generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Metformin has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials, including the landmark UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), which demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing macrovascular complications in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function (eGFR) should be assessed before initiation of Obemet and at least annually thereafter (more frequently in elderly or patients at risk of renal impairment).
- Blood glucose and HbA1c levels to monitor glycemic control.
- Vitamin B12 levels should be monitored periodically, especially in patients on long-term therapy or those with risk factors for B12 deficiency.
Doctor Notes
- Educate patients thoroughly on the symptoms of lactic acidosis and emphasize immediate medical attention if suspected.
- Regularly assess renal function (eGFR) and adjust metformin dosage as appropriate.
- Consider periodic screening for Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients on prolonged metformin therapy.
Patient Guidelines
- Take this medicine with food to reduce stomach upset.
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding diet and exercise.
- Do not stop taking Obemet without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of lactic acidosis (e.g., unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness, severe stomach pain).
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 make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Obemet 500 mg Tablet alone does not typically cause hypoglycemia and therefore usually does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if used in combination with other antidiabetic drugs (e.g., sulfonylureas, insulin) that can cause hypoglycemia, caution is advised.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet that is low in sugar and saturated fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity as advised by your doctor.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly as instructed.
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