Glucophage Dosage/Direction for Use

One 500-mg tab 3 times daily or one 850-mg tab 2 times daily.
Note: In combination therapy with either a sulphonylurea or insulin, diabetic control should be checked by blood sugar readings, because of the possibility of hypoglycaemia.
Usual Starting Dose: One 500- or 850-mg tab 2-3 times daily. The dose should be increased gradually. One 500 mg tab 3 or 4 times daily, or one 850 mg tab 2 times daily is often enough to give a good diabetic control.
This may be achieved within a few days, but it is not unusual for the full effect to be delayed for up to 2 weeks. If control is incomplete, a cautious increase in dosage by increments of one 500- or 850-mg tab is justified. Maximum Daily Recommended Dose: 3 g daily in 3 divided doses. Once control has been obtained, it may be possible to reduce the dosage.
When combined with existing sulphonylurea therapy which is not giving adequate control, 1-3 Glucophage 500- or 850-mg tab should be added initially, with the dosage of Glucophage being gradually increased until optimal control is obtained. Often the sulphonylurea may be reduced and in some patients even withdrawn. Glucophage can then be continued as the sole therapy.
When used with insulin, the guidelines are as follows: When the dosage of insulin is <60 units daily, 1-3 Glucophage 500 or 850 mg tab may be added initially, followed by a gradual reduction of insulin (4 units every 2-4 days). The tablets may be increased at weekly intervals.
When the dosage of insulin is >60 units daily, the addition of Glucophage may occasionally cause a rapid fall in the blood sugar level. Careful observation of such patients is advised in the first 24 hrs after the introduction of Glucophage. After this, the recommendations stated previously should be followed.
Adolescents and Children: Monotherapy and Combination with Insulin: The 1000 mg FC tab can be used in adolescents and children >10 years.
Usual Starting Dose: 500 mg or 850 mg once daily, given during or after meals.
After 10-15 days, the dose should be adjusted on the basis of blood glucose measurements. A slow increase of dose may improve gastrointestinal tolerability. Maximum Recommended Dose: 2 g daily in 2 or 3 divided doses.
Elderly: Due to the potential for decreased renal function in elderly subjects, the dosage should be adjusted based on renal function. Regular assessment of renal function is necessary.