Metformin (
Glucophage®) is a type of biguanide medication used for decreasing blood sugar levels in people with
type 2 diabetes. It is available by prescription and comes in several different strengths, including:
- Metformin 500 mg tablets
- Metformin 625 mg tablets
- Metformin 750 mg tablets
- Metformin 850 mg tablets
- Metformin 1000 mg tablets.
A long-acting form of the medicine is also available. It comes in two strengths:
metformin ER 500 mg tablets and metformin ER 750 mg tablets.
For children ages 10 to 16, the recommended starting dose for regular metformin is 500 mg twice daily. The maximum dose for people in this age group is metformin 2000 mg total per day, divided into two or three doses.
The recommended starting dosage for people 17 years old and over is 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily. The maximum dose for people in this age group is 2550 mg total daily, divided into two or three doses per day.
(Click Metformin Dosing for more information about metformin 625 mg tablets, dosing guidelines for people who are also taking insulin, and how to take this medicine.)
