Metformin is supplied in 500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg, XR forms. The standard approach is 500 mg once or twice daily with food, titrated to 2000 mg/day
Strength and use
| Strength | Typical role |
|---|---|
| 500 mg | Starting or low-dose maintenance |
| 850 mg | Standard maintenance dose |
| 1000 mg | Escalation dose where response is partial |
| XR forms | Escalation dose where response is partial |
Titration path
- 1
Step 1: initiate
Begin at the lowest useful strength of 500 mg.
- 2
Step 2: assess
Review after the onset window of glycaemic effect over 1–2 weeks.
- 3
Step 3: escalate
Move up one strength only if the response is partial and tolerance is good.
- 4
Step 4: maintain
Hold at the lowest effective dose for first-line type 2 diabetes and review periodically.
Key takeaways
- Standard dosing: 500 mg once or twice daily with food, titrated to 2000 mg/day
- Dosing interval: immediate release 8–12 hours; XR 24 hours.
- Never double up after a missed dose: resume the normal schedule.
- Store below 30 °C to protect potency across the shelf life.
Missed doses and adherence
If a dose is missed and the next one is close, skip it. Doubling increases the risk of GI upset without improving outcomes. Blister packaging and clear dispensing labels measurably improve adherence on tablet / extended-release tablet lines.
Metformin at a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drug class | biguanide |
| Common brand | Glucophage |
| Licensed use | first-line type 2 diabetes |
| Available strengths | 500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg, XR forms |
| Dosage form | tablet / extended-release tablet |
| Typical onset | glycaemic effect over 1–2 weeks |
| Duration / dosing interval | immediate release 8–12 hours; XR 24 hours |
| Storage | below 30 °C |
