Metformin Tablets can cause side effects like all the other medicines, although not everyone is likely to experience them. It is advised to consult the doctor immediately if they persist. The common side-effects include - Upset stomach - Nausea, with a feeling of vomiting - Diarrhoea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. - Changes in taste. - Very rarely reported side effects include - Skin rashes - Low levels of Vitamin B12. - Liver problems abnormal liver function tests and hepatitis that may result in jaundice.

Metformin Tablets have to be taken orally and strictly according to your doctor’s advice. They should be swallowed without chewing, with half a glassful of water during or after meals. The dosage is different for different ages of people. Adults: The usual starting dose in adults is 500mg or 850mg, two or three times a day, during or after meals. The doctor will prescribe a maximum dosage of 3000mg to be taken three times. Elderly: Starting dose must be decided after their kidney function is tested. Children: For adolescents and children of 10 years and over, the dose can start with 500 mg or 850 mg Metformin once a day, usually during or after meals. The maximum allowable daily dosage is 2000 mg taken as 2 or 3 divided doses. The experience in the age group between 10 and 12 years children is limited and hence, treatment using this drug is recommended only on specific advice from your doctor. In case you take an overdose, lactic acidosis may be experienced in certain rare cases. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include vomiting, abdominal pain, a severe tiredness, and difficulty in breathing. Doctor, pharmacist or hospital emergency department must be consulted immediately. If a dose is missed, it has to be taken as soon as you remember and carry on as before. Avoid taking a double dose to make up for the dose that was forgotten. If you stop taking Metformin Tablets tell your doctor at once, as your diabetes will not be controlled. The amount of sugar in your blood and urine, along with your kidney function should be checked regularly, at least once a year. It has to be more often if you are elderly or have kidney problems. Taking Metformin does not affect your driving ability or handle machinery directly, but, if taken with any other medicines which affect the blood glucose, it may make you feel weak, giddy and even unconscious. Before taking Metformin Tablets, it is recommended to consult your doctor or pharmacist if, - you have kidney failure with increase in the blood levels of metformin, which may cause lactic acidosis resulting in difficulty in breathing, nausea, abdominal pain or even loss of consciousness. - you are required to be operated which may involve the need for a general anesthetic - you are going to have an X-ray that involves having a dye injected Also, consult your doctor if you are on: - Other drugs used to lower blood sugar i.e. insulin - Certain medicines used for asthma - Diuretics (water tablets) such as furosemide or bendrofluazide. - ACE-inhibitors used for heart problems and high bp - Beta-blockers such as atenolol - Certain Steriods that are used to treat inflammatory and allergic disorders

Metformin belongs to a group of medicines called oral hypoglycaemics, which reduces the level of sugar in blood. These tablets are used for the treatment of type-2 diabetes, particularly in overweight patients having normal kidney function, where diet and exercise changes alone have not been sufficient to control it. The tablet may either be used alone or can be combined with other medicines called sulphonylureas or with insulin.