Glucomin 500 

Presentation:Glucomin 500 Tablet, commonly available in Bangladesh, contains Metformin Hydrochloride BP 500 mg. 

Indications:Glucomin is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitusin adults and children 10 years of age and older, particularly in overweight patients, when dietary management and exercise alone are not sufficient to achieve adequate glycemic control.  

• Adults: Glucomin is used as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents or with insulin.
• Children 10 years and older and Adolescents:Glucomin can be used as monotherapy or in combination with insulin.  
• Metformin, the active ingredient in Glucomin, has also been shown to reduce the risk of macrovascular complications such as heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.  

Dosage and Administration: The dosage of Glucomin must be individualized based on the patient's glycemic control and tolerability, using the minimum effective dose. It should be taken orally with or after meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.  

• Adults: The usual starting dose is 500 mg once or twice daily with meals. Dosage may be increased gradually in increments of 500 mg every week or every two weeks, up to a maximum daily dose of 2000 mg, given in divided doses (usually twice daily with morning and evening meals). Some patients may benefit from a further increase to a maximum of 2550 mg per day, administered as 850 mg three times a day with meals.
• Children 10 years and older and Adolescents: The usual starting dose is 500 mg once daily with a meal. Dosage may be increased gradually in increments of 500 mg every week up to a maximum daily dose of 2000 mg, given in divided doses (usually twice daily with meals).
• Renal function should be assessed before initiating Glucomin and periodically thereafter. The dosage should be adjusted based on eGFR. Glucomin is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m². Initiation of Glucomin is not recommended in patients with an eGFR between 30-45 mL/min/1.73 m².  

Side Effects:The most common side effects associated with Metformin are gastrointestinal, occurring especially during the initiation of therapy and subsiding spontaneously in most cases.These include:

• Nausea  
• Vomiting  
• Diarrhea  
• Abdominal pain  
• Loss of appetite  
• Flatulence  

To minimize these effects, it is recommended to start with a low dose and increase it gradually, and to take Glucomin with meals. A rare but serious side effect is lactic acidosis, which requires immediate medical attention.Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, severe tiredness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term use of metformin may lead to a decrease in vitamin B12 absorption.  

Precautions: Glucomin is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to metformin hydrochloride or any of the excipients.
• Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²).
• Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis with or without coma.  
• Hepatic impairment.  
• Acute conditions with the potential to alter renal function, such as dehydration, severe infection, and shock.  
• Acute or chronic disease which may cause tissue hypoxia, such as cardiac or respiratory insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction, and shock.  
• Excessive alcohol intake.  

Caution should be exercised in patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30-45 mL/min/1.73 m²), heart failure, and in elderly patients.Temporary discontinuation of Glucomin is recommended before surgical procedures or radiological procedures involving the administration of iodinated contrast agents.

Storage:Store Glucomin 500 tablets in a cool (below 30°C) and dry place, protected from light and moisture.Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the packaging.

Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions and guidance regarding your medication. They can assess your individual medical condition and provide the most appropriate advice.