Metformin – sustained v ordinary doses equivalent.

[rachaelc]

I've been on metformin/gliclazide combo for yrs. for certain reasons I'm trying to switch to the metformin sustained release version.

I was previously on 4x500mgs tabs per day: 1 morning 1 lunchtime + 2 eve. Now am on 1gm x2 per day and have started to get hypo symptoms.

I seem to remember my GP (since retired) saying in the past that the same dose is not equivalent and that 1gm of sustained gives much higher dose than 1gm of ordinary tabs. Does anyone know about this? We're going to try splitting the dose into 500mg versions to see if that works.

 

[moanymoan]

Hi Rachael

I am hoping to swap over to the sustained release tablets - seeing my consultant next Monday. I am supposed to take 500mg ordinary tablets 3x daily but I always forget, so hoping to change to SR. Didn't know about this issue you mentioned I will check with him and report back ....

 

[Struma]

I believe that metformin immediate release, and slow release are equivalent in dose. I have never heard or read, anything to the contrary.

 

[rachaelc]

Hi Rachael

I am hoping to swap over to the sustained release tablets - seeing my consultant next Monday. I am supposed to take 500mg ordinary tablets 3x daily but I always forget, so hoping to change to SR. Didn't know about this issue you mentioned I will check with him and report back ....

Thanks non conformist, keep me posted.