• Metformin decreases blood glucose levels by decreasing hepatic glucose production (also called gluconeogenesis)
• Metformin decreases the intestinal absorption of glucose
• Metformin increases insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization

Therapeutic Indications Of Glucare Xr 500 Mg Tablets

• Metformin hydrochloride is used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes (also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes) when diet and exercise alone have not been enough to control your blood glucose levels.
• Diabetes Mellitus is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high
• The main symptoms of diabetes mellitus are polyuria, polyphagia & polydipsia

Method Of Administration Of Glucare Xr 500 Mg Tablets

• The dosage of Metformin is determined by the doctor on an individual basis according to the results of laboratory blood glucose measurement.
• Usually, adults start with 500 mg or 850 mg metformin hydrochloride 2 or 3 times a day.
• The maximum daily dose is 3000 mg taken as 3 divided doses
• Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
• If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
• Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.

Undesirable Side Effects Of Glucare Xr 500 Mg Tablets

• Although the following side effects are not common in everyone, some patients may complain from:

1. Gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite may occur especially at the beginning of treatment. These symptoms are generally transient and can be reduced by taking the tablets with meals. If symptoms persist, the patients should stop taking the treatment and consult their doctor.
2. Taste disturbance
3. Lactic acidosis is a very serious complication, which results in vomiting, abdominal pain with muscle cramps, and/or a general feeling of malaise with severe fatigue and which requires specific treatment. If this occurs, patients should stop taking the drug immediately and consult their doctor promptly. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in a hospital.
4. Skin reactions such as erythema (red skin), itching, or urticaria (eruption with itching).
5. Decreased vitamin B12 levels (to take into consideration if the patient is suffering from megaloblastic anemia).
6. Isolated cases of liver function test abnormalities or hepatitis resolving upon discontinuation of the drug