Description
Key information
- Main use: Metformin is the recommended first-line oral medicine, alongside diet and physical activity, to control high blood sugar in adults and children (from 10 years old) with type 2 diabetes. It is also used off-label for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate menstrual cycles.
- Mechanism of action : Metformin works by decreasing the amount of glucose (sugar) produced by the liver, reducing the amount of sugar absorbed from food and increasing the sensitivity of the body’s cells to their own insulin. It does not stimulate insulin production by the pancreas; as a result, it rarely causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone.
- Dosage : For immediate-release tablets, the usual adult starting dose is 500 mg two to three times a day, taken with meals. The dose is increased gradually by the doctor based on blood sugar checks, up to a maximum daily dose of 2,550 mg (or 3,000 mg in some cases). Directions for use: To minimize gastrointestinal side effects (for example, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain), take it during or after meals.
