Metformin Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Metformin Tablet Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Metformin? (Metformin kya hai)

Metformin is the most widely prescribed first-line oral medicine for Type 2 diabetes in Pakistan and worldwide. It belongs to the biguanide class and is DRAP-registered. It is included on the WHO Essential Medicines List.

Metformin mechanism:

• Reduces glucose production in the liver
• Improves insulin sensitivity — cells use glucose more effectively
• Slightly reduces glucose absorption from the intestines

It does not trigger insulin release — so hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) risk is not present when taken alone.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Type 2 Diabetes — first-line treatment. The first medicine step after diet and exercise.
• Pre-Diabetes — prescribed for insulin resistance to prevent progression to diabetes
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) — to manage insulin resistance and regularise the cycle (off-label)
• Gestational Diabetes — under doctor supervision

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes patients (HbA1c 6.5%+)
• High-risk pre-diabetes patients (with lifestyle changes)
• PCOS patients where insulin resistance is confirmed

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• Severe kidney disease — eGFR < 30 mL/min: avoid. eGFR 30–45: caution, dose reduce.
• CT scan / MRI with contrast — stop 48 hours before the procedure, and wait 48 hours after as well
• Severe liver disease
• Heavy alcohol use (lactic acidosis risk)
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — immediate IV insulin required

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

Standard Dosing Schedule

Tip: Increasing the dose slowly dramatically reduces GI side effects. The extended-release (XR/SR) version is gentler on the stomach.

Missed Dose (Dose Bhool Jayein)

Take it as soon as you remember — but if the next dose time is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

Overdose

Lactic acidosis risk — seek emergency care immediately.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Always take with food or immediately after eating — nausea/diarrhea are dramatically reduced
• Never take on an empty stomach
• Swallow the whole tablet with water — do not crush or break (especially the XR version)

8. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Common (usually resolve after the initial period)

• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea, stomach cramps
• Metallic taste
• Loss of appetite (often helpful for weight)

Serious (rare)

• Lactic acidosis — rare but serious: breathlessness, muscle pain, stomach pain, weakness, cold hands and feet — seek emergency care immediately
• Vitamin B12 deficiency — in long-term users; have your doctor check B12 levels once a year

9. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

10. Storage (Hifazat)

• Below 30°C, in a dry place
• Keep in original packaging
• Keep out of the reach of children

11. Alternatives in Pakistan

12. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

13. FAQs (Aksar Poochhe Jane Wale Sawalaat)

Q: Metformin kis kaam aati hai?

A: Blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes. It reduces liver glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.

Q: Metformin khane ke sath leni chahiye ya pehle?

A: Always take with food — stomach issues are dramatically reduced.

Q: Pakistan mein Metformin ki price kitni hai?

A: Generic Metformina 50 tabs Rs. 30–65. Branded Glucophage is slightly more expensive at Rs. 120–182 (30 tabs).

Q: Metformin se wajan kam hota hai?

A: Weight-neutral or mild weight loss — does not cause weight gain unlike sulfonylureas/insulin.

Q: CT scan se pehle Metformin band karna kyun zaroori hai?

A: Contrast dye temporarily affects kidney function — if kidneys slow down, metformin can cause lactic acidosis. Hold it 48 hours before and after the scan.

14. Medical Review (Medical Jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-04-27 Last Updated: 2026-04-27

15. Disclaimer (Zaroori Tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.