Sucomet
Generic Name
Metformin Hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| sucomet 500 mg tablet | ৳ 3.45 | ৳ 34.50 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Sucomet 500 mg tablet contains Metformin Hydrochloride, an oral antidiabetic medicine used to control high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps the body respond better to the insulin it produces and reduces the amount of sugar made by the liver and absorbed by the intestines.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initially 500 mg once or twice daily with meals. May be increased gradually to a maximum of 2000-2500 mg daily in divided doses.
Elderly
Caution advised due to potential for decreased renal function; dose adjustments may be needed based on renal function.
Renal_impairment
Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²). Dose reduction required for moderate impairment (eGFR 30-45 mL/min/1.73 m²).
How to Take
Take orally with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break.
Mechanism of Action
Metformin works by decreasing glucose production in the liver, decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, and improving insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. It does not stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas, thus it does not cause hypoglycemia in monotherapy.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within a few days, full effect observed after 2 weeks.
Excretion
Primarily renal, with approximately 90% of the absorbed drug eliminated via the kidney within 24 hours.
Half life
Plasma elimination half-life is approximately 6.2 hours.
Absorption
Absolute bioavailability of a 500 mg tablet given under fasting conditions is approximately 50-60%. Food decreases the extent of absorption and slightly prolongs the time to peak plasma concentration.
Metabolism
Metformin is excreted unchanged in the urine; no hepatic metabolism or biliary excretion occurs.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Hypersensitivity to Metformin or any excipients
- •Diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic precoma
- •Renal failure or dysfunction (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
- •Acute conditions with potential to alter renal function (e.g., dehydration, severe infection, shock)
- •Acute or chronic disease which may cause tissue hypoxia (e.g., cardiac or respiratory failure, recent myocardial infarction, shock)
- •Hepatic insufficiency, acute alcohol intoxication, alcoholism
- •Lactic acidosis (current or history of)
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
Iodinated contrast agents
Temporarily suspend metformin before or at the time of the procedure and for 48 hours afterward in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m², those with a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure, or those who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast.
Diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop diuretics)
May increase blood glucose levels.
Cationic drugs (e.g., cimetidine, amiloride, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycin)
May increase metformin accumulation and risk of lactic acidosis.
Corticosteroids, sympathomimetics, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, calcium channel blockers, isoniazid
May decrease glycemic control.
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, characterized by symptoms like malaise, myalgia, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal distress. Treatment involves supportive measures, correction of acidosis, and hemodialysis for severe cases to remove Metformin and lactate from the blood.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Metformin is generally considered safe for use in pregnancy when indicated for gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes. However, insulin is often preferred for glycemic control during pregnancy. Lactation: Metformin is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised, and monitor for adverse effects in the infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available (patent expired for Metformin)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesAlternative Medicines in Bangladesh
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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