Drug Identity
Active Ingredient
Metformin
Drug Class
Blood Glucose Lowering Drugs, Excluding Insulin
Chemical Class
Biguanide
Pharmacological Group
on the basis of mechanism of action and also cl...
ATC Code
A10BA02
Status
Essential Medicine
What is Minidiabaf?
Uses
Metformin (HCl) is oral biguanide antidiabetic agent, introduced in 1950s. It reduces elevated blood glucose concentration in diabetic pa...
How It Works
Chemical Class
Biguanide
Pharmacological Group
on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antidiabetic Agent, Biguanide pharmacological group
Metformin is the derivative of Metformin (HCl). It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Biguanide. It belongs to Hypoglycemic pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antidiabetic Agent, Biguanide pharmacological group. The Molecular Weight of Metformin (HCl) is 165.62. Its pKa is 11.5.
How to Take It
1
Adult · PO
500 to 3000 mg — 12 hourly
Frequency may be increased upto 3times/day, if needed. Gradually increase upto 2-3 g/day.
2
Child
Not recommended in this age group
Safety Alerts
Porphyria, ketoacidosis, pre-coma and coma, severe renal or hepatic impairment, concomitant miconazole treatment, cardiac or respiratory failure, recent MI, alcoholism, administration of iodinated contrast materials
Discontinue for 48 hours before and after elective surgery
Important Warnings
Assess risk factors for lactic acidosis
discontinue immediately if metabolic acidosis suspected, renal or hepatic impairment, obesity, adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, surgery, severe trauma, infections, G6PD deficiency, and elderly
Side Effects
Abnormal liver function testshepatitisjaundiceblood dyscrasiastransient visual disturbancesskin reactionsreduced B12 absorptionsGI upsettaste disturbancerarely lactic aci-dosis.
Drug Interactions
Metformin (HCl) is known to interact with other drugs
the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAcarboseAcarbose and guar gum both decrease the absorption of metformin.AlcoholEthanol initiate effects of metformin on lactate metabolism.ModerateAvoid intake of alcohol and notify the signs of lactic acidosis like malaise
respiratory distress
somnolence and irregular heart beat.Amiloride (HCl)Amiloride compete with metformin for renal tubular transport thus decreases excretion of metformin leads risk of lactic acidosis.ModerateMonitor patient glucose level and adjust metformin dose.AtenololAtenolol enhance the hypoglycemic effect of metformin.ModerateMonitoring of patient blood glucose level should be done when these drugs are coadministered.Chlorpromazine (HCl)Chlorpromazine decreases the hypoglycemic effect of metformin by interfering with blood glucose control. ModerateClosely monitor the blood glucose level. Adjust the dose of metformin accordingly.Cimetidine (HCl)Cimetidine decreases the renal tubular secretion of metformin result in increased AUC upto 50% and decreases the plasma clearence upto 27% reult in increased plasma level may lead to lactic acidosis.ModerateSlowly reduce the dose of metformin. Monitor thr blood glucose level regularly. Patient should notify to physician if experience any sign of lactic acidosis.DigoxinDigoxin decreases the excretion of metformin by competing the renal tubular transport.ModerateDose of metformin should be reduced.Dolutegravirdolutegravir may increased the level of metforminclose monitoring and dose adjustment recommendedFrusemide or FurosemideFurosemide increases the plasma concentration while mwtformin decreases the peak concentration and elimination half life upto 31%and 32%respectively. Increase plasma level of metformin increases the risk of lactic acidosis.ModerateClosely monitor blood glucose level Patient should notify to physician if experience signs of lactic acidosisGlibenclamideHydrochlorothiazideThiazide (hydrochlorothiazide) antagonize the effect of metformin.Insulin AspartMetformin potentiate the hypoglycemic effect of insulin by increasing cellular mechanism controlled by insulin.ModerateClosely monitor the development of hypoglycaemia in patient.IoxaglateAdministration of intravascular iodinated radiocontrast media in patients treated with biguanides such as metformin may precipitate lactic acidosis
a rare but potentially serious and fatal complication of biguanide therapy. Iodinated contrast material can cause acute alterations in renal function
including acute renal failure
which is a known risk factor for biguanide-induced lactic acidosis.MajorBiguanide therapy should be temporarily discontinued at the time of
or prior to
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Lactation
Contraindicated or not recommended.
Storage
Tab Store in a well closed container, Between 15°C-30°C. Protect from Moisture.
Price Intelligence
Rs 126.2
Servaid observed price · as of 30 July 2026
No approved ceiling matched to this exact pack and strength.
Prices across sources
ServaidRs 126.2
Should you consider an alternative?
Other options containing Metformin, and what they are not.
These contain this ingredient plus others. They are different medicines — do not swap.
Neophage
500mg
Rs 16Rs 1.6/unit
Below approved ceilingABBOTT LABORATORIES (PAK) LTD
Glucophage
250Mg
Rs 23.1Rs 2.31/unit
Below approved ceilingNo DRAP alertsMartin Dow
Glucophage
Rs 24.37
No DRAP alertsMartin Dow Marker Limited
Minidiab
5mg
Rs 27.8Rs 2.78/unit
PFIZER LABORATORIES
Neodipar
500Mg
Rs 35.1Rs 3.51/unit
SANOFI-AVENTIS PAKISTAN LTD.
Meteor
500Mg
Rs 35.2Rs 3.52/unit
Below approved ceilingNo DRAP alertsASIAN CONTINENTAL
Neodipar
Rs 36.94
SANOFI AVENTIS (PAKISTAN) LTD.
Glucophage
850mg
Rs 46.5Rs 4.65/unit
Below approved ceilingNo DRAP alertsMartin Dow
Ordered by lowest price per unit where a pack size is known, then by price. Order is never affected by sponsorship. Not medical advice — confirm any change with your pharmacist or doctor.
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