Sucranorm

Metformin hydrochloride.

Each tablet contains Metformin (as hydrochloride) 850 mg.

Pharmacology: The activity of metformin hydrochloride (Sucranorm) is different from that of sulfonylurea. It reduces elevated blood glucose concentrations in patients with diabetes, but it does not increase insulin secretion. This is probably the reason why it does not cause hypoglycemia. Metformin hydrochloride (Sucranorm) seems to potentiate insulin action by enhancing insulin binding to its receptors and/or post-receptors.
Metformin hydrochloride (Sucranorm) improves the blood lipoprotein profile not only in diabetics but also in non-diabetic subjects with hyperlipoproteinemia.
Pharmacokinetics: Metformin hydrochloride is slowly and incompletely absorbed from gastrointestinal tract; the absolute bioavailability of a single 500 mg dose is reported to be about 50 to 60%, although this is reduced somewhat if taken with food. Once absorbed, protein binding in plasma is negligible; the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine. The plasma elimination half-life is reported to range from about 2 to 6 hours after oral doses. Metformin crosses the placenta and is distributed into breast milk in small amounts.

Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus).

Unless otherwise prescribed, the dosage and administration is as follows: Adults: Monotherapy and combination with other oral antidiabetic agents: The usual starting dose of Metformin is 500 mg or metformin 850 mg 2-3 times daily with or after meals. Metformin hydrochloride (Sucranorm) must be taken daily without interruption, except if specifically indicated by the doctor. Do not double the dose of metformin (Sucranorm). 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 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.
Children and Adolescents: Monotherapy and combination with insulin: Metformin hydrochloride (Sucranorm) 850 mg 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.
OR AS DIRECTED BY THE PHYSICIAN.

Metformin hydrochloride (Sucranorm) is contraindicated in diabetic coma, ketoacidosis, hepatic or renal impairment, predisposition to lactic acidosis, severe infection or trauma, dehydration, alcohol dependence, deficiencies of Vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. Use of Metformin hydrochloride is not advised during pregnancy and lactation. Should not be given to patients with recent myocardial infarction, dehydration, or any other condition likely to predispose to lactic acidosis.

Long-term administration of metformin hydrochloride may cause disturbance of vitamin B12 absorption. As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency disease may occur. In such cases, vitamin B12 therapy gives a good result.

Anorexia, nausea and diarrhea. Patients may experience a metallic taste and there may be weight loss.

Alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis as well as of hypoglycemia. Care should be taken if biguanides are given concomitantly with drugs that may impair renal function. Absorption of vitamin B12 may be impaired.

Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C. Protect from light.

Antidiabetic Agents

A10BA02 - metformin ; Belongs to the class of biguanides. Used in the treatment of diabetes.

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