Rhea Metformin Hydrochloride Dosage/Direction for Use

Unless otherwise prescribed, the dosage and administration is as follows: Adults: Monotherapy and combination with other oral antidiabetic agents: The usual starting dose is one tablet of metformin 500 mg or metformin 850 mg 2 - 3 times daily with or after meals. Metformin must be taken daily without interruption, except if specifically indicated by the doctor. If the patient has forgotten to take metformin, the next dose should be taken at the usual time. Do not double the dose of metformin. If the patient has taken more metformin tablets than indicated, the doctor or pharmacist must be consulted immediately.
After 10 to 15 days the dose may be slowly increased by an increment of one tablet depending on blood glucose measurements. A slow increase of dose may improve gastrointestinal tolerability.
In patients receiving a high metformin dose (2 to 3 grams per day), it is possible to replace two metformin 500 mg tablets with one metformin 1 gram tablet. The maximum recommended dose of metformin is 3 g daily, taken as 3 divided doses.
If transfer from another oral antidiabetic is intended: discontinue the other agent and initiate metformin at the dose indicated above.
Combination with insulin: Metformin and insulin may be used in combination therapy to achieve better blood glucose control. Unless otherwise prescribed, metformin is given at the usual starting dose of one tablet of metformin 500 mg or metformin 850 mg 2 - 3 times daily, while insulin dosage is adjusted on the basis of blood glucose measurements.
Elderly: Due to the potential for decreased renal function in elderly subjects, the metformin dosage should be adjusted based on renal function. Regular assessment of renal function is necessary (see Precautions).
Children and adolescents: Monotherapy and combination with insulin: Metformin 500 mg, 850 mg and 1 gram tablet can be used in children from 10 years of age and adolescents. Unless otherwise prescribed, the usual starting dose is one tablet of 500 mg or 850 mg once daily, given during meals or after meals. After 10 to 15 days the dose may be slowly increased by an increment of one tablet depending on the basis of blood glucose measurements.
A slow increase of dose may improve gastrointestinal tolerability. The maximum recommended dose of metformin is 2 g daily, taken as 2 or 3 divided doses.