CARBOPHAGE XR 500 TABLET

📌 Brand Name: Carbophage XR 500

• Generic Name (Salt): Metformin Hydrochloride (Extended Release)

• Strength: 500 mg

• Formulation: Extended-release oral tablet

• Manufacturer: Merck Limited (India) or other pharma companies depending on the brand variant

🧬 Mechanism of Action

Metformin belongs to the biguanide class of antidiabetic drugs. It works by:

• Decreasing hepatic glucose production

• Increasing insulin sensitivity

• Enhancing peripheral glucose uptake

• Reducing intestinal glucose absorption

🟩 Does not stimulate insulin secretion, so it has a low risk of hypoglycemia when used alone.

🏥 Indications

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) – as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs (e.g., sulfonylureas, insulin)

• Sometimes used off-label in:

  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

  • Prediabetes with insulin resistance

💊 Dosage & Administration

• Initial dose: 500 mg once daily with dinner

• Maximum dose: Up to 2000 mg/day (usually in divided doses)

🟡 Take with food to minimize GI side effects.

⚠️ Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Abdominal discomfort

• Metallic taste

Rare but Serious:

• Lactic acidosis (very rare but life-threatening)

  • Risk ↑ with renal impairment, alcohol use, dehydration

• Vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use

🚫 Contraindications

• Severe kidney disease (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m²)

• Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis

• Liver dysfunction

• Severe infections, hypoxia, dehydration

🔍 Monitoring

• Renal function (creatinine, eGFR) before starting and periodically

• Blood glucose and HbA1c

• Vitamin B12 (yearly in long-term users)

🧾 Storage

• Store below 25°C

• Protect from moisture and light

✅ Conclusion

Carbophage XR 500 is a well-established first-line therapy for Type 2 diabetes. Its extended-release formulation improves gastrointestinal tolerability and allows once-daily dosing. Monitoring renal function and being alert for lactic acidosis symptoms is key for safe use.