🔹 Metformin Modified Release (MR) Tablet 1000 mg – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Metformin Modified Release (MR) 1000 mg is a long-acting oral antidiabetic medicine from the biguanide class, designed for once-daily dosing with gradual release into the bloodstream. It controls high blood glucose levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, particularly useful for those who experience gastrointestinal side effects with the immediate-release (IR) formulation.
💊 Prescription / Use:
- Indications:
- First-line treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Especially suitable for patients with:
- Poor tolerance to IR Metformin
- Need for once-daily dosing
- Sometimes used off-label for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Dosage:
- Usually 1000 mg once daily with evening meal
- Can be titrated based on glycemic response (max: 2000 mg/day)
- Swallow whole—do not crush or chew
🔬 Nature:
- Class: Biguanide antihyperglycemic agent
- Formulation: Modified-release (MR) or extended-release (XR) tablet
- Appearance: Oblong or oval, film-coated tablet, often labeled “1000”
- Mechanism:
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Increases insulin sensitivity
- Delays glucose absorption in the gut
- Minimal risk of hypoglycemia as monotherapy
🌟 Advantages:
- Once-daily dosing improves adherence
- Fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to IR formulation
- Weight-neutral or weight-reducing
- Does not cause hypoglycemia when used alone
- Improves fasting and postprandial glucose levels
- Better patient tolerability
📦 Common Packaging:
- Blister packs or strips of 10 or 15 tablets
- Also available in bottles (hospital use)
- Clearly marked with strength and manufacturer details
🧊 Storage:
- Store at room temperature (below 25°C)
- Keep in a dry place, away from light and moisture
- Do not use beyond expiry date
⚠️ Precautions:
- Contraindicated in:
- Renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
- Acute metabolic acidosis
- Severe liver dysfunction
- Use caution in:
- Elderly patients
- Alcoholics
- During contrast imaging (withhold temporarily)
- Risk of lactic acidosis—rare but potentially fatal
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Take with evening meal (unless otherwise directed)
- Do not crush or break the tablet
- Inform doctor of any kidney, liver, or heart conditions
- Monitor for unusual tiredness, breathing issues, or abdominal pain (lactic acidosis symptoms)
- Regular blood tests to monitor sugar and kidney function
- Maintain hydration
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake
- Inform your provider before any contrast scans or surgeries