Individual generic drug information

metformin

Reference monograph

Part of registered formulation

EMPAGLIFLOZIN + METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Reference record: METFORMIN
Source: MSF Essential Drugs (January 2026)
Printed source pages: 209, 210
Age groups indexed: Not recorded

Individual active ingredientSource records are displayed separately

Some source sections could not be separated reliably in the extraction. Review the printed source pages when a field is missing or incomplete.

Overview

Extracted information for METFORMIN only.

Therapeutic Action

Biguanide antidiabetic

Source page 209

Indications

First-line treatment of type 2 diabetes, when diet and lifestyle measures alone are insufficient, as monotherapy or in combination with another antidiabetic

Source page 209

Safety

Extracted information for METFORMIN only.

Contraindications Adverse Effects Precautions

Do not administer to patients with: ketoacidosis; cardiac, respiratory, hepatic or severe renal impairment. May cause: often: dose-related gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain), loss of appetite, metallic taste in mouth; rarely: lactic acidosis (in the event of acute alcohol intoxication, dehydration, taking drugs that alter renal function, etc.); decreased absorption of vitamin B (risk of macrocytic anaemia). 12 Reduce dose (max. 1 g daily) in case of moderate renal impairment. Monitor combination with: diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (risk of lactic acidosis due to altered renal function); drugs increasing blood glucose levels: corticosteroids, hydrochlorothiazide, salbutamol, chlorpromazine. Stop metformin before surgery or the injection of iodinated contrast agents. Resume treatment 48 hours later after checking renal function. Pregnancy: insulin is the drug of choice for type 2 diabetes in pregnant women (improved glycaemic control; reduced risk of foetal anomalies and neonatal complications). Nevertheless, metformin is not contra-indicated. Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Source pages 209, 210

Dose and formulations

Extracted information for METFORMIN only.

Forms And Strengths

500 mg and 1 g tablets

Source page 209

Dosage And Duration

Adult: Week 1: 500 mg once daily in the morning Week 2: 500 mg 2 times daily (morning and evening) Increase if necessary in increments of 500 mg per week, according to blood glucose levels and as long as the drug is well tolerated, without exceeding 2 g daily (1 g morning and evening).

Source page 209

Clinical care

Extracted information for METFORMIN only.

Remarks

To reduce gastrointestinal intolerance, gradually increase the dose and take tablets with meals.

Source page 210

Storage

– Below 25 °C

Source page 210

Dose text by age group

Filter the extracted dose blocks for this individual drug.

No dose block was identified for this age filter. This does not establish whether the drug is suitable for that age group.

Age labels are extracted from the printed dose headings and require clinical review. Confirm current local guidance, dose, route, formulation, contraindications and interactions before prescribing.

Individual generic drug information

metformin

Reference monograph

Part of registered formulation

EMPAGLIFLOZIN + METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Reference record: METFORMIN
Source: MSF Essential Drugs (January 2026)
Printed source pages: 209, 210
Age groups indexed: Not recorded

Individual active ingredientSource records are displayed separately

Some source sections could not be separated reliably in the extraction. Review the printed source pages when a field is missing or incomplete.

Overview

Extracted information for METFORMIN only.

Therapeutic Action

Biguanide antidiabetic

Source page 209

Indications

First-line treatment of type 2 diabetes, when diet and lifestyle measures alone are insufficient, as monotherapy or in combination with another antidiabetic

Source page 209

Safety

Extracted information for METFORMIN only.

Contraindications Adverse Effects Precautions

Source pages 209, 210

Dose and formulations

Extracted information for METFORMIN only.

Forms And Strengths

500 mg and 1 g tablets

Source page 209

Dosage And Duration

Source page 209

Clinical care

Extracted information for METFORMIN only.

Remarks

To reduce gastrointestinal intolerance, gradually increase the dose and take tablets with meals.

Source page 210

Storage

– Below 25 °C

Source page 210

Dose text by age group

Filter the extracted dose blocks for this individual drug.

No dose block was identified for this age filter. This does not establish whether the drug is suitable for that age group.

Age labels are extracted from the printed dose headings and require clinical review. Confirm current local guidance, dose, route, formulation, contraindications and interactions before prescribing.