Metformin — brands & medicines in Pakistan
Pakistan mein Metformin ke 3 brands available hain. Drug class: Biguanide Antidiabetic. Neeche se koi bhi brand select karein aur uses, dosage, side effects aur price dekhein.
Quick Answer
Metformin is a biguanide antidiabetic used in Pakistan for Type 2 diabetes management (blood sugar control), Pre-diabetes prevention (insulin resistance mein), PCOS — polycystic ovary syndrome (off-label). Available as 3 brands. Prescription required. Always confirm dose with a doctor or pharmacist.
What is Metformin?
Metformin is a biguanide antidiabetic used in Pakistan for a range of medical conditions. Doctors and pharmacists in Pakistan recognize Metformin under multiple brand names — currently 3 listed on PakVita (3 tablets). The information below is a synthesis from DRAP-registered medicine entries, BNF, and WHO Essential Medicines references.
Common indications
- Type 2 diabetes management (blood sugar control)
- Pre-diabetes prevention (insulin resistance mein)
- PCOS — polycystic ovary syndrome (off-label)
- Gestational diabetes (doctor supervision mein)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Blood sugar control
- Insulin resistance
- Glucose regulation
Indication and dose vary by medical condition, age, weight, and other factors. Always confirm with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Typical dosage
500mg twice daily with meals. Max 2500mg/day. Titrate slowly to minimise GI side effects.
This is a general adult guidance pattern based on the manufacturer's label for one of the Metformin brands listed below. Children, elderly patients, pregnant women, and people with kidney or liver impairment usually need different dosing — confirm with your doctor.
Side effects
Common (usually mild)
- Nausea, vomiting — start with low dose and take with food
- Diarrhoea, stomach cramps (especially when starting)
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious — stop and see a doctor
- Lactic acidosis (rare but serious — breathlessness, muscle pain, stomach pain, feeling cold)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term use)
- Breathing issue
- Fainting
Important warnings
- Stop before any CT/MRI contrast scan — lactic acidosis risk
- Avoid in severe kidney disease (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²)
- Avoid in severe liver disease or excessive alcohol use
- Hold for 48 hours after iodinated contrast media
- Avoid using Neodipar Tablet if you have severe kidney disease.
- Do not use if on dialysis treatment.
Metformin brands in Pakistan (3)
Click any brand to see full uses, dosage, side effects, prices, and warnings.
Frequently asked questions
What is Metformin used for in Pakistan?
Metformin is commonly used for Type 2 diabetes management (blood sugar control), Pre-diabetes prevention (insulin resistance mein), PCOS — polycystic ovary syndrome (off-label), Gestational diabetes (doctor supervision mein), and other indications. It belongs to the biguanide antidiabetic drug class.
What is the typical dosage of Metformin?
Typical adult dosing is described by manufacturers as: "500mg twice daily with meals. Max 2500mg/day. Titrate slowly to minimise GI side effects.". Always confirm dose, duration, and timing with a qualified doctor or pharmacist — dose depends on indication, weight, age, kidney/liver function, and other medications.
What are the common side effects of Metformin?
Common side effects include Nausea, vomiting — start with low dose and take with food, Diarrhoea, stomach cramps (especially when starting), Metallic taste in mouth, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting. Most are mild and resolve as the body adjusts. Stop the medicine and contact a doctor if side effects are severe, persistent, or include allergic symptoms (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty).
When should I stop Metformin and see a doctor?
Stop Metformin and seek urgent medical care if you experience: Lactic acidosis (rare but serious — breathlessness, muscle pain, stomach pain, feeling cold); Vitamin B12 deficiency (long-term use); Breathing issue; Fainting. These are serious signs that need immediate attention.
Is Metformin available without a prescription in Pakistan?
Prescription required.
What brands of Metformin are available in Pakistan?
3 brands of Metformin are listed on PakVita: 3 tablets. Browse the brand list below and click any name for prices, dosage, and full information.
Sources
- DRAP Registered Drug Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
- British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. — World Health Organization