“Metformin 850 mg: Full Guide to Uses, Dosage & Side Effects”

✅  What Is Metformin?

Metformin is an oral medication used primarily to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). It belongs to the biguanide class of antidiabetic agents and works by lowering blood glucose levels. It’s a first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes, especially in overweight or obese individuals.

✅ Indications and Uses

Metformin 850 mg is commonly prescribed for:

✅  How Metformin Works (Mechanism of Action)

Metformin lowers blood sugar by:

• Reducing hepatic glucose production (less glucose from the liver)
• Improving insulin sensitivity in muscles and fat
• Slightly decreasing intestinal glucose absorption

Unlike insulin or sulfonylureas, metformin does not increase insulin secretion, which reduces the risk of hypoglycemia.

✅ Dosage and Administration

🔹 Typical Adult Dosage:

• Starting Dose: 500 mg once or twice daily
• 850 mg tablets: Often prescribed once to twice daily with meals
• Maximum Dose: 2550 mg/day (divided into 2–3 doses)

🔹 How to Take:

• Take with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects
• Swallow whole with water—do not crush or chew
• Extended-release forms should be taken once daily with dinner

Gradual dose increases (every 1–2 weeks) are recommended to improve tolerance.

✅Side Effects

🔹 Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Flatulence
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste

These often resolve over time or with dose adjustment.

🔹 Serious Side Effect (Rare):

• Lactic Acidosis – A life-threatening buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Risk increases with:
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Dehydration
  • Alcohol use
  • Severe infections

⚠️ Symptoms of lactic acidosis include weakness, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. Emergency care is needed.

✅ Contraindications

Do not use Metformin 850 mg in the following situations:

• eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m² (renal failure)
• Unstable heart failure
• Liver disease
• Acute metabolic acidosis
• Severe dehydration
• Before/after contrast dye imaging (temporarily stop metformin)

✅  Drug Interactions

✅  Benefits of Metformin 850 mg

• Weight-neutral or modest weight loss
• Low risk of hypoglycemia
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• May reduce cardiovascular disease risk
• May improve fertility in PCOS patients