Glucophage-XR Tablet 1000 mg

About Glucophage-XR Tablet 1000 mg

Glucophage-XR Tablet 1000 mg Uses

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus requiring a higher metformin dose
• Used with diet and exercise when lower strengths are not enough
• Often combined with another oral antidiabetic or insulin
• Helps control blood sugar in patients with longer standing diabetes
• Used to intensify treatment when HbA1c remains above target

Glucophage-XR Tablet 1000 mg Benefits

• Delivers a higher effective dose in a single daily tablet
• Extended release reduces the number of tablets needed per day
• Supports steady round the clock blood sugar control
• Helps lower HbA1c when combination therapy is required
• Reduces stomach related side effects compared to higher doses of regular metformin

What Experts Say

The 1000 mg strength delivers a higher dose of metformin hydrochloride in a single extended release tablet, reducing glucose output from the liver and helping muscle tissue use insulin more efficiently. Its matrix design releases the drug gradually, maintaining effective blood levels through the day and night.

Doctors often move patients to this higher strength once lower doses no longer keep fasting and post meal glucose within target range, or when combining metformin with another oral agent or insulin. Taking the tablet with the evening meal supports absorption and helps limit gastrointestinal discomfort at this dose.

Pakistan has one of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes globally, and many patients eventually need higher metformin doses as the condition progresses over the years. Doctors across Pakistan typically monitor kidney function, vitamin B12 levels, and HbA1c regularly when patients are maintained on higher strength metformin therapy.

Drug Class

• Biguanide oral antidiabetic
• Extended release tablet formulation

Glucophage-XR Tablet 1000 mg formula

• Metformin Hydrochloride

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Glucophage-XR Tablet 1000 mg?

• Take with the evening meal to help reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet whole, do not crush, split or chew
• Take at the same time every day for steady blood sugar control
• This higher strength is usually prescribed once lower doses are not enough
• Do not stop the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor

Drug Interactions

• Contrast dye used in X-ray or CT scans can increase kidney related risks, especially at higher doses
• Diuretics, steroids and some blood pressure medicines may raise blood sugar levels
• Alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis
• Certain antibiotics and heart medicines may affect how the body clears metformin
• Combining with insulin or sulfonylureas increases the risk of low blood sugar

Risks and warnings

• Not recommended for patients with moderate to severe kidney disease
• Avoid use in patients with liver disease or heavy alcohol use
• Stop temporarily before surgery or any contrast dye imaging test
• Higher doses need closer monitoring of kidney function over time
• Seek immediate medical care for unusual muscle pain, weakness or breathing difficulty
• Not suitable for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

Glucophage-XR Tablet 1000 mg Side Effects

• Nausea and stomach discomfort, more common at this higher dose
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Reduced appetite
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Bloating and gas
• Mild headache or fatigue
• Vitamin B12 deficiency with long term use
• Low blood sugar when used alongside other diabetes medicines or insulin
• Lactic acidosis in rare but serious cases

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius away from heat and humidity
• Protect the strip from direct sunlight
• Keep tablets in the original packaging until ready to use
• Keep out of reach of children
• Discard any tablets left after the expiry date on the pack