Glucophage 500mg Tablet

Brand Merck
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Dr. Mohd Izzat Amir Bin Awang
Reviewed byDr. Mohd Izzat Amir Bin AwangDoctor of Medicine (MD), University of Mansoura - Manchester
Dr. Adeline Carol Peters
Written byDr. Adeline Carol PetersBachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) — Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Last updated:

Overview

Glucophage 500mg Tablet is a tablet with Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg declared as its active content. It is supplied in pack sizes of 120s and 20s.

This is a non-prescription product and can be purchased without a prescription. Only product, safety and handling details are published on this page.

An online consultation with a DoctorOnCall doctor or pharmacist is available for this product, and a registered pharmacist reviews each order before dispatch to Malaysia or Singapore. Follow the directions on the label and on the leaflet inside the pack.

Directions for Use

Glucophage 500mg Tablet should only be taken according to a doctor’s prescription, following the dose, frequency, and duration advised. It is usually taken with or immediately after meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, and the tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water rather than crushed or chewed, unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Dosage

Dosing is individualised by the prescribing doctor, typically starting at a low dose such as 500mg once or twice daily with meals, and gradually increased over one to two weeks based on blood glucose response and tolerability, up to a maximum daily dose determined by the doctor. Patients should never adjust their own dose or stop treatment without medical advice, as this can affect blood sugar control.

Shelf Life

Glucophage 500mg Tablet is generally valid for up to 36 months from the date of manufacture when stored correctly and unopened; the exact expiry date is printed on the blister strip and outer carton and should be checked before each use.

Storage Instructions

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, keeping tablets in their original blister packaging until needed. Keep out of reach and sight of children, and discard any tablets that are damaged, discoloured, or past their expiry date.

Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach discomfort or cramps
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss (in some cases)

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to metformin or any ingredient in the tablet
  • Severe renal impairment or acute kidney injury
  • Conditions predisposing to tissue hypoxia, such as severe heart failure or respiratory failure
  • Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Severe liver impairment
  • Should be temporarily stopped before procedures involving iodinated contrast media, as advised by a doctor

Drug / Food Interactions

  • Alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis and should be limited or avoided
  • Iodinated contrast media used in imaging studies can increase the risk of kidney impairment and lactic acidosis when combined with metformin
  • Certain diuretics, corticosteroids, and other medicines that raise blood glucose may reduce metformin’s effectiveness
  • Cimetidine and some other medicines can increase metformin blood levels
  • Should be used cautiously with other antidiabetic medicines due to increased risk of hypoglycaemia when combined

Quick Tips

  • Take Glucophage with or immediately after meals to reduce stomach upset.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it unless your doctor advises otherwise.
  • Limit or avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis when combined with metformin.
  • Keep all scheduled blood tests to check your kidney function and vitamin B12 levels, especially with long-term use.
  • Tell your doctor before any scan or procedure involving iodinated contrast dye, as metformin may need to be temporarily stopped.
  • Do not double up on a missed dose — simply take your next dose at the usual time.
  • Seek urgent medical attention if you notice unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, or severe tiredness, as these may signal lactic acidosis.
  • Store tablets in their original blister packaging, away from moisture and heat.

Ingredients / Active Ingredients

  • Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg (active ingredient)
  • Povidone
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Hypromellose (film coating)
  • Macrogol
  • Purified water (processing aid)

Safety Advice

Pregnancy

Use With Care

This medicine should be used cautiously during pregnancy. Monitoring may be required.

Breastfeeding

Generally Safe

This medicine is generally safe during breastfeeding with minimal risk to the infant.

Kidney

Use With Care

Use cautiously. Dose adjustment or monitoring may be required.

Liver

Use With Care

Use cautiously. Liver function monitoring may be required.

Alcohol

Use With Care

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with this medicine.

Driving

Use With Care

Use caution while driving until you know how this medicine affects you.

Relevant Information

Glucophage 500mg Tablet is a prescription-only medicine in Malaysia, and DoctorOnCall requires an online medical consultation before it can be dispensed, so a doctor can confirm suitability and monitor kidney function and blood glucose control over time. Patients on long-term therapy should have periodic blood tests as advised by their doctor, and should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, or severe tiredness develop, as these may indicate lactic acidosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Product Specifications

BrandMerck
ClassificationNon-prescription
Ingredients / Active IngredientsMetformin
Pack Size120s, 20s

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Important Medical Information

💊 Recommended Dosage:

Dosing is individualised by the prescribing doctor, typically starting at a low dose such as 500mg once or twice daily with meals, and gradually increased over one to two weeks based on blood glucose response and tolerability, up to a maximum daily dose determined by the doctor. Patients should never adjust their own dose or stop treatment without medical advice, as this can affect blood sugar control.

🛑 Contraindications (Do not use if):
  • Known hypersensitivity to metformin or any ingredient in the tablet
  • Severe renal impairment or acute kidney injury
  • Conditions predisposing to tissue hypoxia, such as severe heart failure or respiratory failure
  • Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Severe liver impairment
  • Should be temporarily stopped before procedures involving iodinated contrast media, as advised by a doctor
If you are unsure, please chat with us or consult your doctor.
⚠️ Common Side Effects:
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach discomfort or cramps
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss (in some cases)
Stop taking this medication immediately and consult your doctor if you experience severe allergic reactions or side effects.
IMPORTANT: Unsure? Chat with our pharmacists (Mon - Sat, 9:00am - 6:00pm) before buying.