Metformin (Glucophage®) is a prescription medicine used for controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It comes in tablet form. The short-acting form is available in various strengths, including:
500-mg metformin tablets
850-mg metformin tablets
1000-mg metformin tablets.
At one point, short-acting 625-mg and 750-mg metformin tablets were available; however, these products are no longer available.
The medication is also available in a long-acting form (Glucophage XR) that comes in two strengths (500 mg and 750 mg). Long-acting metformin 1000-mg tablets are also available and are sold under the brand names of Fortamet® and Glumetza®. A liquid version of metformin, called Riomet®, is also available.
Children ages 10 to 16 typically start with a dosage of 500 mg (one tablet, twice a day). The recommended starting metformin dosage for people 17 years old and over is 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily.
For the long-acting form (metformin ER), the recommended starting dose is metformin ER 500 mg once daily, and the maximum dose is metformin ER 2000 mg once daily (or metformin ER 1000 mg twice daily).
(Click Metformin Dosing to find out how dosing works for people who also take insulin and for more detailed dosing guidelines for those taking metformin by itself.)
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