Metformin

Synonyms / Brand Names: Metformin HCL, metformin hydrochloride, Apo-Metformin, Fortamet, Gen-Metformin, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glycon, Novo-Metformin, Nu-Metformin, Riomet

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Dosing and Administration

GLUCOPHAGE
The usual starting dose of GLUCOPHAGE (metformin hydrochloride tablets) is 500 mg twice a day or 850 mg once a day, given with meals. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks, up to a total of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses. Patients can also be titrated from 500 mg twice a day to 850 mg twice a day after 2 weeks. For those patients requiring additional glycemic control, GLUCOPHAGE may be given to a maximum daily dose of 2550 mg per day. Doses above 2000 mg may be better tolerated given three times a day with meals.

GLUCOPHAGE XR
The usual starting dose of GLUCOPHAGE XR (metformin hydrochloride extendedrelease tablets) is 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly, up to a maximum of 2000 mg once daily with the evening meal. If glycemic control is not achieved on GLUCOPHAGE XR 2000 mg once daily, a trial of GLUCOPHAGE XR 1000 mg twice daily should be considered. If higher doses of metformin are required, GLUCOPHAGE should be used at total daily doses up to 2550 mg administered in divided daily doses, as described above

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