Glucophage Tablet Uses

Glucophage tablet is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called biguanides. It helps reduce the amount of glucose (sugar) produced by the liver, decreases the absorption of glucose from food, and increases insulin sensitivity. Glucophage tablets are commonly used for the following indications:

1. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Glucophage tablet is a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, often used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications (such as diet and exercise). It helps control blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Glucophage is effective in lowering both fasting and postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose levels.
2. Prediabetes: Glucophage may be prescribed for individuals with prediabetes, a condition characterized by higher than normal blood sugar levels but not meeting the criteria for diabetes. It can help delay or prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes in some cases, particularly when combined with lifestyle changes.
3. Gestational Diabetes: In some cases of gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), Glucophage may be prescribed if blood sugar levels cannot be controlled through diet and lifestyle changes alone. It can help manage blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and baby.
4. Metabolic Syndrome: Glucophage may be used in individuals with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal lipid levels. It can help address the underlying insulin resistance and contribute to better control of these metabolic abnormalities.

Off-Label Uses of Glucophage Tablet

1. Weight Loss: Glucophage tablet has been used off-label as an adjunct therapy for weight loss in individuals who are overweight or obese, even in the absence of diabetes. It may help with weight reduction by decreasing appetite, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing the absorption of glucose from the digestive tract.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Glucophage tablet is used as a treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. It can help regulate menstrual cycles, lower insulin levels, improve insulin resistance, and promote ovulation in women with PCOS. It may be used alone or in combination with other medications or hormonal therapies.
3. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Glucophage tablets are also used to manage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver. It may help improve liver function, reduce liver inflammation, and promote weight loss in individuals with NAFLD.
4. Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Glucophage tablets may used to prevent or treat certain types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancers.

Glucophage is one of the leading brands of Metformin Hydrochloride, manufactured and marketed by Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals (Pak) Ltd.

Presently, Glucophage is available in Tablet Form

Glucophage Tablets : 500mg Strength

Despite its benefits, certain contraindications must be taken into consideration before using Glucophage.

Hypersensitivity: Glucophage is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Glucophage or any of the components of the medication. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin reactions to severe systemic reactions and require immediate medical attention.

Severe Renal Impairment: Glucophage is contraindicated in individuals with severe renal impairment due to the risk of lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the accumulation of lactic acid in the blood. Glucophage should be used with caution in individuals with mild to moderate renal impairment and regular monitoring of renal function is recommended.

Acute or Chronic Metabolic Acidosis: Glucophage is contraindicated in individuals with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, a condition characterized by an imbalance in the body’s acid-base levels. Glucophage can increase the risk of lactic acidosis in individuals with metabolic acidosis.

Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Glucophage is contraindicated in individuals with acute decompensated heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Glucophage can exacerbate fluid retention and increase the risk of lactic acidosis in individuals with this condition.

Hepatic Impairment: Glucophage should be used with caution in individuals with hepatic impairment, as impaired liver function can affect the clearance of Glucophage from the body. Dose adjustments may be necessary in such cases.

Alcohol Intoxication: Glucophage should not be used in individuals with alcohol intoxication or acute alcohol poisoning. Alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis associated with Glucophage use.

The most common dosage for Glucophage is one tablet of 500mg taken two or three times per day with meals. The dose can be increased incrementally up to four tablets of 500mg per day depending on individual response and tolerability.

Additionally, you should avoid skipping doses or changing your dose without consulting your healthcare provider first as doing so can increase your risk for side effects or other problems related to inadequate control over blood sugar levels

Glucophage works by reducing glucose production in the liver. It inhibits a key enzyme called glucose-6-phosphatase, which is involved in the production of glucose in the liver through a process called gluconeogenesis. By suppressing this process, Glucophage helps lower blood glucose levels.

Additionally, Glucophage can help reduce cholesterol levels due to its ability to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways involved in lipid metabolism.

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