Regular metformin (sometimes referred to as
metformin HCL) comes in tablet form. There are five different strengths available for metformin HCL: 500 mg, 625 mg, 750 mg, 850 mg, and 1000 mg. The medication also comes in a long-acting form, sold by the name
metformin ER.
The recommended starting dosage for children ages 10 to 16 is metformin HCL 500 mg twice a day. For people 17 years old and older, the recommended starting dose is either 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily. For the long-acting form of the drug, the usual starting dose is metformin ER 500 mg once daily.
(Click Metformin Dosing for more dosing information, including dosing guidelines for people who are also taking insulin and tips on how to use this medication.)
