-5%
Metform ER is prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in overweight patients where diet and exercise alone do not provide adequate glycemic control.
Adults: Can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents or insulin.
Children (≥10 years) & adolescents: May be used alone or in combination with insulin.
Long-term studies have shown that metformin as first-line therapy reduces diabetic complications in overweight type 2 diabetic adults after dietary management has failed.
Metformin belongs to the biguanide class of oral antihyperglycemic drugs. It lowers both fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels without stimulating insulin secretion, thereby preventing hypoglycemia.
Mechanisms include:
- Suppression of hepatic glucose production.
- Reduction of intestinal glucose absorption.
- Enhancement of insulin sensitivity, leading to increased peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.