Metformin 500mg Tablet
Reviewed educational reference: what this medicine is used for, how it works, its side effects and safety advice — plus the published Indian brands that contain it.
- Molecule
- Metformin
- Strength
- 500mg
- Dosage form
- tablet
- Drug class
- Biguanide antidiabetic
Metformin 500mg Tablet contains Metformin, the most widely used first-line medicine for type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar and, used alongside diet and exercise, helps prevent the long-term complications of diabetes. It does not usually cause low blood sugar when used alone.
Uses of Metformin
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (first-line treatment, with diet and exercise)
- Sometimes prescribed by specialists for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Benefits of Metformin
Blood sugar control: Metformin 500mg Tablet reduces the amount of glucose released by the liver, improves the way your body responds to its own insulin, and slows glucose absorption from the gut. Good control lowers the risk of kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems and heart disease over time.
Weight-neutral: unlike some diabetes medicines, Metformin 500mg Tablet does not cause weight gain and may support modest weight loss.
Side effects of Metformin
Stomach upset, nausea, a metallic taste, mild diarrhoea and loss of appetite are common when starting and usually settle within a few weeks. Taking it with meals helps.
- Long-term use can lower vitamin B12 levels; your doctor may check this periodically.
- Rare but serious: lactic acidosis — get urgent help for unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, severe tiredness with stomach pain, or feeling very cold.
How to use Metformin
- Take it with or just after meals to reduce stomach upset.
- Take it at the same times every day, exactly as prescribed.
- Swallow sustained-release tablets whole; do not crush or chew them.
- Do not stop taking it just because you feel well — diabetes usually has no symptoms.
How Metformin works
Metformin 500mg Tablet lowers blood glucose in three complementary ways: it reduces glucose production by the liver, increases the sensitivity of muscle and fat tissue to insulin so glucose is taken up and used more effectively, and delays glucose absorption from the intestine.
What if you miss or exceed a dose?
If you miss a dose
Take the missed dose with your next meal as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
In case of overdose
A large overdose can cause lactic acidosis, a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical care for suspected overdose, particularly if there is vomiting, deep rapid breathing, or unusual drowsiness.
Safety advice
Avoid excess alcohol; it increases the risk of lactic acidosis and low blood sugar.
Sometimes used in pregnancy under specialist supervision; never start or continue without medical advice.
Small amounts pass into milk; generally considered compatible, but confirm with your doctor.
Safe on its own; be alert for low blood sugar if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Dose depends on kidney function and it must be avoided in severe kidney disease — regular monitoring is essential.
Avoid in significant liver disease because of the increased risk of lactic acidosis.
Quick tips
- Take it with meals to minimise stomach upset.
- Limit alcohol — it increases the risk of lactic acidosis and low blood sugar.
- Tell any doctor or radiology centre you take Metformin 500mg Tablet before scans that use injected contrast dye; it may need to be paused briefly.
- Continue diet and exercise — the medicine works best alongside them.
- Ask your doctor about periodic kidney function and vitamin B12 checks.
Interactions with other medicines
- Iodinated contrast media (CT scan dye): temporarily stop Metformin 500mg Tablet around the scan as advised, to protect the kidneys.
- Alcohol: raises the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycaemia.
- Other glucose-lowering medicines (insulin, sulfonylureas): combined use can cause low blood sugar; doses may need adjustment.
- Diuretics and some blood pressure medicines: may affect kidney function or blood sugar control.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Biguanide
- Habit forming
- No
- Therapeutic class
- Antidiabetic (type 2 diabetes)
- Action class
- Hepatic glucose production inhibitor / insulin sensitizer
- Storage
- Store below 30°C, protected from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently asked questions about Metformin
Does Metformin 500mg Tablet cause low blood sugar?
Rarely on its own. The risk rises when it is combined with insulin or sulfonylurea tablets, or with alcohol or skipped meals.
Why does Metformin 500mg Tablet upset my stomach?
Gastro-intestinal upset is common in the first weeks. Taking it with food, starting at a low dose, or switching to a sustained-release form usually resolves it.
Can I stop Metformin 500mg Tablet once my sugar is normal?
No — normal readings mean the treatment is working. Stopping it usually sends blood sugar back up. Discuss any change with your doctor.
Does Metformin 500mg Tablet damage the kidneys?
Metformin 500mg Tablet does not damage kidneys, but it is cleared by them, so the dose must be adjusted if kidney function falls.
Published products containing Metformin
Review and source
- Last reviewed
- 2026-07-28
- Reference
- Open reference ↗
Content is educational and should be checked against the current medicine label and professional guidance.
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