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Is Metformin a slow-release drug

J

jimkoh

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi

Is metformin a slow-release drug. Heard that the effect will kicks in after only 2 hours. Also, is there such a thing called metformin SR whish is slow-release. There is another drug called Glucophage which is slow release. Is this better. Thanks.

JK
 
SR Meformin is a coated form that is less likely to cause diarrhoea that a lot of people get with the regular Metformin. Not quite sure though what you mean by it kicking in after 2 hours
 
There are two versions of metformin, normal and slow release (SR). Doctors usually prescribe the "normal" version as this is cheaper, but can be persuaded to prescribe SR, if the patient is having problems, i.e. diarrhoea. It is said to help if the dose is built up slowly.
I'm not sure that metformin does exactly "kick in", its effects are very subtle and it has very little effect on blood sugar levels.
The best way of getting blood sugar levels down is not to put them up, that is, to reduce your sugar and carbohydrate intake. There is a lot on this forum, and others, about "Low Carbing". Do ask any questions you need to.
Sally
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Glucophage is a branded name for the slow release version of Metformin. There is no difference.
 
sally and james said:
Glucophage is a quite different drug from metformin. As I understand it, it stimulates insulin production (therefore can lead to hypos and driving problems), whereas metformin assists with insulin resistance.

Sally
Click to expand...
I think you are confusing Glucophage with Gliclazide. As Madbazoo says, Glucophage is a brand name for SR Metformin. It is Gliclazide that squeezes extra insulin from the pancreas, and therefore can cause hypos. This is normally only prescribed when Diet/Exercise/Metformin combination is not adequately controlling BS levels.
 
@Madbazoo wrote, "Glucophage is a branded name for the slow release version of Metformin. There is no difference."

OOPS! Getting my drug names mixed up. I was thinking of one of the sulphonylureas. Sorry for confusion. Have now edited out the inaccuracy to avoid further problems.
Sally


Edit: Yes it was Gliclazide I was thinking of. Brain not working this morning.
Sally
 
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