Glucophage

What is it?

Composition

The composition of Glucophage includes the active substance metformin, which has the main therapeutic effect. However, the composition of the drug is not limited to metformin alone - it also contains excipients that ensure the stability of the tablets and their adequate absorption in the body.

• Metformin is the main active substance responsible for reducing blood glucose levels.
• Polyethylene glycol and povidone are used as binders.
• Magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose help give the tablets the necessary shape and structure.

These components allow the drug to act effectively and provide its stable pharmacological effect in the body.

How to use?

The use of Glucophage requires compliance with certain rules to achieve maximum treatment effectiveness. First of all, this medicine should not be taken without a doctors prescription, and the recommended dose should not be exceeded to avoid unwanted effects.

1. The initial dose is usually 500 mg 2 times a day, or 850 mg once a day, taken with food.
2. Depending on the blood glucose level, the dose can be increased to a maximum daily dose of 2550 mg, dissolved in three doses.
3. Regular monitoring by a doctor is extremely important to adjust the dose and prevent possible complications.

Accuracy in observing the indicated dosages contributes to effective diabetes control and minimizes the risk of unwanted side effects.

How does it work?

Glucophage works by lowering blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, which is achieved through metformin. Metformin, as the main active ingredient, affects three main processes in the body.

Firstly, the drug suppresses the production of glucose in the liver, which reduces the overall level of sugar in the blood. Secondly, it reduces the absorption of glucose in the intestine, thus reducing the amount of glucose entering the blood from food. And finally, Glucophage increases tissue sensitivity to insulin, increasing the utilization of glucose, which contributes to its effective absorption.

Thus, Glucophage has a complex effect on the body, helping to maintain normal sugar levels without hypoglycemic attacks.

Indications

Indications for the use of Glucophage are various conditions associated with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. The drug is prescribed when it is necessary to stabilize blood sugar levels and improve the general condition of patients with type 2 diabetes.

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in cases of obesity, when diet therapy and physical activity do not give the desired result.
• Ineffectiveness of other methods of treating diabetes mellitus, such as the use of sulfonylurea derivatives.
• The presence of concomitant metabolic syndrome, requiring correction of body weight and carbohydrate metabolism.

These indications make Glucophage an important tool in the arsenal of diabetes management tools.

Contraindications

Despite its effectiveness, Glucophage has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before starting therapy. Violation of these recommendations can lead to serious complications.

• Hypersensitivity to metformin or any other component of the drug.
• Severe renal or hepatic impairment, as this may affect the elimination of the drug.
• Conditions associated with tissue oxygen deficiency, such as heart failure or acute myocardial infarction.

These contraindications make it necessary to carefully assess the patients condition before prescribing Glucophage.

Side effects

Side effects from taking Glucophage can be minor or more serious, requiring medical intervention. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor your condition and discuss any changes with your doctor.

• The most common effects include stomach and intestinal disorders, such as nausea, diarrhea, flatulence and loss of appetite.
• More serious and rare side effects include the development of lactic acidosis, manifested by autonomic disorders and severe weakness.
• Allergic reactions, such as urticaria or skin rash, can also occur with individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

If any adverse symptoms occur, you must immediately stop taking the drug and seek medical help.