Glucophage XR 750 mg Tablet

Glucophage XR 750 mg Tablet is an extended-release prescription medicine that contains Metformin Hydrochloride 750 mg as its active ingredient. It belongs to the biguanide class of oral antidiabetic medicines and is widely prescribed to help control Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In Pakistan, Glucophage XR is marketed by Martin Dow Marker Ltd. under licence from Merck KGaA, Germany.

Unlike immediate-release metformin, the XR (Extended Release) formulation releases the medicine gradually throughout the day, helping maintain more stable blood glucose levels while reducing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects in some patients.

Primary Uses

Doctors commonly prescribe Glucophage XR 750 mg Tablet for:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Improving blood sugar control alongside diet and exercise
• Reducing insulin resistance
• Prediabetes (in selected patients)
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (off-label, when recommended by a physician)

How Does Glucophage XR Work?

Metformin lowers blood sugar without stimulating excess insulin production. It works by:

• Reducing glucose production by the liver
• Improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin
• Decreasing glucose absorption from the intestines

Because it does not usually increase insulin secretion, metformin has a low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken alone.

How to Take Glucophage XR

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Do not crush, chew, or split the extended-release tablet.
• It is usually taken once daily with the evening meal, although your doctor may prescribe a different schedule.
• Continue following your recommended diabetic diet and exercise plan.

Common Side Effects

Some people may experience:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach discomfort
• Bloating
• Gas
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Reduced appetite

These side effects often improve as the body adjusts to the medication.

Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:

• Severe weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unusual muscle pain
• Extreme tiredness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

Although rare, these symptoms may indicate lactic acidosis, a serious medical emergency.

Precautions

Inform your doctor before taking Glucophage XR if you have:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Heart-related disease
• Severe dehydration
• Heavy alcohol use
• Planned surgery
• Scheduled CT scan or X-ray requiring iodinated contrast dye

Your doctor may temporarily stop metformin before certain imaging procedures or surgeries.

Drug Interactions

Glucophage XR may interact with:

• Insulin
• Sulfonylureas (e.g., Gliclazide, Glimepiride)
• Corticosteroids
• Diuretics
• Certain blood pressure medicines
• Contrast media used during imaging procedures
• Alcohol

Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Metformin may be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding in selected patients when recommended by a healthcare professional. Treatment decisions should always be made by your physician based on your medical condition.

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